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U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Steele, commanding officer of MCAS Futenma, poses for a photo with the top three competitors of the 2019 Futenma Bike Race on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 14, 2019. The race invites Status of Forces Agreement personnel and the local Okinawan community to compete in race on and around MCAS Futenma’s airfield.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Madero

2019 Okinawa Futenma Bike Race

15 Jul 2019 | Lance Cpl. Christopher Madero The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma hosted the 2019 Okinawa Futenma Bike Race for the local and military community July 14 on MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan.

The starting line was crowded with cyclists on edge and eager to hear the crack of a starting pistol. The blank round was fired, the timer started, and the cyclists took off. Friends and families cheered on their loved ones as they departed from the start line to negotiate their way through Futenma’s runways.

175 participants; a mix of Status of Forces Agreement personnel and Okinawan community members participated in the 2019 Futenma bike race.

Participants competing on road bikes took a 44 kilometer route, whereas participants on mountain bikes took on a 22 kilometer route. 

Let the Race Begin Photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Madero
Status of Forces Agreement personnel and Okinawan residents begin the 2019 Futenma Bike Race on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 14, 2019. The race invites Status of Forces Agreement personnel and the local Okinawan community to compete in race on and around MCAS Futenma’s airfield.

The airfield was closed for a 24-hour period to allow competitors to test the runways surface. Marine Corps aviation technologies were displayed for all participants to enjoy as they continued throughout the race's route.

Every rider that made their way past the finish line was greeted with applause and cheers from the audience that awaited their finish.

I think this a great opportunity to host people aboard the air station to get people out and exercise Col. David Steele, dedicated tri-athlete, commanding officer of MCAS Futenma, and competitor in the race

“Friendship through sport is a big part of what Marine Corps Community Services and Futenma wants to do”

The event was hosted by Marine Corps Community Services, a comprehensive set of programs that support and enhance the operational readiness, war fighting capabilities, and life quality of Marines, their families, retirees and civilians.


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