WICHITA, Kan. -- On May 3, 2026, thirteen Airmen assigned to the 184th Wing took to the streets of Wichita, Kan. to push their physical limits and represent the Kansas Air National Guard in the Spring Prairie Fire Races.
Organized by the Wichita Sports Commission to benefit local charities, the community event had nearly 2,000 total finishers across both its races.
Among the participants were Airmen assigned to the 184th Force Support Squadron and the 184th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, with five members completing the 5K and eight completing the half-marathon.
Master Sgt. Ryan Albright, 184th FSS, recorded the fastest 5K time among participating wing members, crossing the finish line in 20:59. His performance earned him a spot in the top 20 out of more than 850 runners who completed the 5K.
In the half-marathon, Tech. Sgt. Rowan Catlett, 184th Intelligence Support Squadron, recorded the fastest time among participating wing members, finishing with a time of 1:46:41.
A Wing-Wide Culture of Fitness
Participation in the Prairie Fire races highlights a broader cultural shift within the wing toward prioritizing physical fitness and resilience.
While members from their squadron were running the Prairie Fire, the rest of the 184th FSS ran a 5K for group physical training at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. over the Regularly Scheduled Drill weekend.
"The FSS Airmen have embraced an improved fitness mentality over the last year, and this event was one of many where we got to have some fitness fun," said Lt. Col. Darral Garner, FSS commander, who also ran the race in preparation for the River Run 10K. "I loved getting out in the community with our unit."
Master Sgt. Albright echoed Garner’s sentiment, noting that running has become a major part of his life since 2021. Balancing training with mission requirements takes strict time management, often requiring early morning or late evening runs.
"It was cool seeing people from work push themselves and accomplish goals they set for themselves," Albright said. "It also says a lot about our leadership and the importance they place on fitness and resiliency by allowing us the opportunity to compete during a drill morning."
Running with Purpose
For many of the Airmen, the miles ran carried a deep personal significance.
Capt. Alex Maggard, a 184th ISRG flight commander, ran his first Prairie Fire race to honor the memory of his mother, who passed away earlier in the year.
"She lived 747 months, so my brother and I have decided we are going to run that many miles this year," Maggard shared. "The Prairie Fire was a vehicle to run lots of miles while being around thousands of people who are running for different reasons and at different capabilities.”
For Master Sgt. Julie Herndon, 184th FSS, the 5K was about setting an example of perseverance. Currently four months pregnant, Herndon refused to let her fitness habits slide, making this her third 5K since January.
"I told myself I did not want to give up and sacrifice my body this time around. I was going to do it tired and I was going to do it uncomfortable," Herndon said, crediting the FSS's consistent Tuesday group PT sessions for keeping her motivated.
"As a leader, I cannot expect members to follow my example without putting in the time and effort to take care of myself. I told myself from the very beginning that I will keep going and stay focused on my overall health, for the benefit of my flight, my family, and my body," Herndon further explained.
Whether they were running to beat a personal record, to honor a loved one, or to lead by example, the Airmen of the 184th Wing proved that a commitment to readiness extends well outside the gates of McConnell Air Force Base.
