Kirtland runner to compete in elite marathon

Major Brett Lechtenberg will represent Team Kirtland in one of the Air Force’s most competitive endurance running events: the Air Force Marathon: Stratosphere Challenge.

Only 30 marathon runners from across the Air Force and Space Force were selected for the Stratosphere Challenge, making Kirtland Air Force Base’s Lechtenberg part of an elite field that will be competing Sept. 20 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

“Running and competing have been central to my life since I was young,” Lechtenberg said. “And this marathon allows me to combine that passion with my Air Force service.”

Lechtenberg’s passion took shape as a child, when a friend challenged him to see how many laps they could complete during recess. That friendly competition soon became a lifelong drive that carried through middle and high school, where he competed in track, cross country and swimming.

He grew up as a military child, moving frequently for his father’s Air Force career — from Virginia to Utah, California to Ohio.

And eventually to New Mexico.

Lechtenberg said he hadn’t started out as a long-distance runner. It took him a bit to adapt.

“If you were to ask me back in high school or even college if I (was going) to be a marathon runner … I would’ve laughed and thought you were crazy,” he said.

Lechtenberg ran cross country and track for Weber State University. After he joined the Air Force, he was asked represent them in running competitions, both within the service and against other military branches.

“I love challenges and so that’s where thankfully the Air Force offered these opportunities, and I took advantage of them and now it’s a consistent thing that I do,” he said.

Most recently, Lechtenberg tested his endurance in the Death by 5K ultramarathon — 10 5Ks in 24 hours — at Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park in June.

“That was quite a feat … it definitely won me mentally and physically,” he said.

A typical training week for the 35-year-old runner involves logging more than 70 miles, all while balancing work, family, and mentorship responsibilities.

“It’s kind of that harmonizing with work, with the family … to make sure that I’m able to get on all aspects of not just personal life, but the professional life as well,” he said.

Lechtenberg also said he considers New Mexico a runner-friendly environment.

“I’m blessed being here in New Mexico because I’ve been to some flat areas of the United States during my military career and having the mountains, the Sandias, have been a great training ground — not only the elevation Albuquerque provides but having the mountains as that other factor. Usually, elevation climbs into my training routine to help give me that edge over other individuals that may be at sea level.”

That preparation will be key for the Stratosphere Challenge — the same course used in the Air Force Marathon’s main event — which features a mix of steady climbs, long flat stretches, and gentle rollers, with about 450 feet of total elevation gain. The race begins with an uphill section outside the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It then descends into Huffman Flying Field, and finishes under the wingtips of the historic aircraft in the museum’s Air Park.

Another factor to consider, according to Lechtenberg, is the weather.

“Some days it could be pristine at 50-degree weather (with) clear skies. Sometimes it could be rainy,” he said. “During the marathon course, it’s very hilly, after mile 20, there are some rolling hills and sometimes that takes a lot out of you. I’m looking to overcome those with the training here (in New Mexico).

Lechtenberg is no stranger to the event. At last year’s Air Force Marathon, he placed second among military competitors and third overall in the men’s division. This year, he’s aiming for first.

What’s his strategy?

“I’m not going to walk,” he said. “Even if it’s a slow jog, I’m not going to walk. That helps push me through.”

After the Stratosphere Challenge, Lechtenberg will have a quick turnaround, competing in the Marine Corps Marathon in October.

In February, he plans to tackle the Norwegian Foot March — a grueling 18.6-mile military endurance event requiring participants to carry a 25-pound rucksack — for the second year in a row.

He hopes to fit in “another marathon or two” by 2026, though he says most of his time and energy will remain devoted to his Air Force mission.

Lechtenberg also invests in mentoring other airmen who want to pursue competitive running.

“I’m a big advocate (for) anyone (who) loves races or wants to get into running,” he said. “I definitely have been a go-to for individuals inquiring about fitness, about running … I’d love to help them and look forward to those opportunities when they arise.”