The Lincoln National Guard Marathon – a public marathon that is funded, in part, by the State of Nebraska – serves as the only qualifying marathon for the All Guard Marathon Team.
“The program encourages and enhances the National Guard’s [recruitment and] retention program mainly by instilling physical fitness and self-discipline and esprit de corps,” said SFC Christopher Sterns, the marathon’s coordinator with the Nebraska Army National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters.
In an average year, just over 60 male and female Soldiers make the team, SFC Sterns said. The team competes in several marathons throughout the year in an effort to promote just some of the many benefits related to serving with the Army National Guard.
Each year, States and Territories send National Guard athletic teams to compete in the Lincoln Marathon. Those with the fastest times join the All Guard team.
“They are competing for 61 slots,” SFC Sterns explained. “We choose the top fastest 40 males and the top 15 females. Then we have three male Masters [Soldiers over the age of 40] and three female Masters.”
To qualify for the Lincoln Marathon, male Soldiers under the age of 40 must have run a recognized marathon, taking place in the 18 months prior to the Lincoln Marathon, in under four hours. For women and Masters, the time requirement is 4 hours 30 minutes.
SFC Sterns said part of his role is to notify State coordinators about the number of competitive slots available for their State.
