MacDill lieutenant to compete for AMC marathon team

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Competing as one of the top Airmen in a unit, squadron, or on an installation is always noteworthy; but, there is something to be said about an Airmen that is competing as one of the best in a major command or the Air Force overall.

For 1st Lt. Christopher Chorney, 91st Air Refueling Squadron wing mission planner and Centreville, Virginia native his selection to Air Mobility Command's marathon team is one of those moments.

Chorney's passion for running began in high school and continued into college at the Air Force Academy. While earning his commission, he first tried out track and cycling, but ultimately chose long distance running with the Air Force Academy Marathon Club.

"I was cut from the track team during open try outs as a freshman and then tried cycling," said Chorney. "I experienced more success in the marathon club and continued running in marathons after I graduated."

After commissioning in 2012, Chorney arrived at Vance AFB, Oklahoma and became a part of the Air Education and Training Command. During his time there, he competed as a member of the AETC marathon team. Once he arrived on station at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, he wasted little time putting in his application for the AMC team.

"Now that I call MacDill home and fly for AMC, I was eager to represent the people whom I work with on a daily basis," said Chorney. "I think AMC has a good chance at winning the trophy this year."

Five days a week, Chorney trains to build his strength and endurance. It is this dedication that has allowed him to be selected as one of four individuals, three males and a female, who will represent the MAJCOM and run a full marathon.

"I really enjoy competing and nothing is more competitive then lining up toe-to-toe with a bunch of other runners all trying to get to the finish line the fastest," explained Chorney. "Being one of four selected across the whole command is a very, very selective group, so I am real proud of it."

Additionally, Chorney competes in marathons when he is not on duty. He says that he competed in the Boston Marathon for the third year in a row this past April. According to Chorney, it is the seventh marathon he has completed.

"I also try to make it to the monthly 5Ks the base fitness center holds," said Chorney. "I missed the Gasparilla Half Marathon this year due to a deployment, but hopefully I'll be there for the 2016 race."

Chorney hopes to make the Air Force Marathon team and says that the team uses the Air Force Marathon as a try-out. For now, however, he says he has a main goal.

"I want to help AMC win!" exclaimed Chorney.