Come and be a part of history! The Air Force Marathon is an annual endurance event held the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. First held in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Air Force, the Air Force Marathon …
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Come and be a part of history! The Air Force Marathon is an annual endurance event held the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. First held in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Air Force, the Air Force Marathon has grown into a 10,000+ participant event, with runners from all fifty states and many foreign countries. The 2024 Air Force Marathon aircraft is the F-35 Lightning II.
Race weekend features five event distances: a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Tailwind Trot 1K Kids’ Run. Additional events include a three-person marathon relay and two Fly! Fight! Win! Challenge Series where runners can earn a fourth medal after completing the 5K, 10K, and half marathon or marathon in one weekend. Other exciting events include a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, Gourmet Pasta Dinner, Finish Line Festival, and After Party.
This Boston Qualifying marathon course is rife with historic aviation sites and finishes at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, taking runners not only on a journey of 26.2 miles but one of over 110 years in military airpower history.
WHERE PERSEVERANCE AND PRIDE TAKE FLIGHT!
LESS
Never Again
The only three good things about this race: The Fairborn Flyzone (only 3% of the course), the flyover at the start, and the cold beer afterward was the best I'd … MORE
The only three good things about this race: The Fairborn Flyzone (only 3% of the course), the flyover at the start, and the cold beer afterward was the best I’d ever had… Mid-September in Dayton is a summer race. If you like running marathons in 80º+, go for it. You might somewhat enjoy this one. I hated it. The scenery sucks, you supposedly have to get there really early so I waited FOUR HOURS before the race began – the race organizers claim you should do it because of delays with security measures. Logistics need work. You can’t even find a nice place to lie down because the grass is dry and dead and it sticks you, never mind the ants. The free food afterward was very average. In short, I will never do this marathon again and only recommend it if you’re going for the Armed Forces Series Challenge.
Flying high with the Air Force
This event has it all. A multi-race challenge for those who are so inclined over Friday evening and Saturday morning or just showing up for the big event--the choice is … MORE
This event has it all. A multi-race challenge for those who are so inclined over Friday evening and Saturday morning or just showing up for the big event–the choice is yours. I came on invitation of an Air Force captain friend of mine, and we shared the first several miles together before the half marathon route split from the marathoners. It was enjoyable running through the historic areas where the Wright Brothers tested out their first airplanes and then the Wright-Patterson AFB having been amazed the day before at the National Museum of the US Air Force. I definitely recommend coming a day early to explore this museum and attend the pasta party held in one of the hangars after the museum “closes” (they keep the facility open late for the dinner guests). Finishing under the wings of several huge airplanes was a great touch.
Great Half Marathon
First time running the half distance of this event, as I did the full in 2023. The half and full runners run together until mile 3 or so, when the … MORE
First time running the half distance of this event, as I did the full in 2023. The half and full runners run together until mile 3 or so, when the full runners make a big loop around the base and the runways. The half course cuts across the base and rejoins the full course at mile 4 (mile 20 of the full course) and continues on the same relative route until mile 8 (mile 24 of the full course).
There are more hills in the half course than the full course.
There is a significant number of them between miles 8 and 11, but you drop 153 feet in mile 12 alone! The final 1-2 miles were cool as you dropped back down into the airfields and to the finish line.
The aid stations were great, but since the race is on a military base, crowds are limited. The medal was beautiful, and the pre-race sights are one-of-a-kind – F-35 Lightnings piercing the predawn sky, parachuters, and an EOD explosion instead of a start gun.
Highly recommend the Air Force Marathon and Half!
Unseasonably and Brutally Hot Race
The organization was phenomenal! They did everything right, even though they couldn't control the weather. When forecasts had it going 30 degrees over average temperatures, they offered a free switch … MORE
The organization was phenomenal! They did everything right, even though they couldn’t control the weather. When forecasts had it going 30 degrees over average temperatures, they offered a free switch to half marathon. For those of us who couldn’t (wouldn’t), they added sponges and ice to the course.
My only one complaint that I can think of is that the course medics, in my opinion, did not seem to pay attention to the runners and offer more assistance.
First Time for Everything
Kinda boring due to lack of spectators and lack of scenery. The course is kinda boring and the expo is small. The prerace send off is nice with the 8 … MORE
Kinda boring due to lack of spectators and lack of scenery. The course is kinda boring and the expo is small. The prerace send off is nice with the 8 man parachutes and pilots flying over the start.
We melted
The expo was small and uninspiring as there wasn't alot of AF marathon specific items. The long sleeve T is nice and well made as is the medal. Pre-race highlights … MORE
The expo was small and uninspiring as there wasn’t alot of AF marathon specific items. The long sleeve T is nice and well made as is the medal. Pre-race highlights of parachuters and a F-35 flyover were cool. Due to expected high temps & humidity we were given the option to drop down to the half but didn’t. The race was red flagged early (first 30 minutes or so) but the water/aid stations were plentiful. THANK GOD!! There is almost no scenery, the base was deserted, there was almost no shade and while the towns people gave out popsicles they tasted funny (maybe it was just me). Leaving the base (@M20-21?) and running uphill on the highway on-ramp was brutal. I did ok the first half, but I had nothing left after mile 22 and spent a majority of the last 6M walking. The finish line is EPIC, running under the wings of aircraft!
The after-party was in the sun and I was cooked enough so I did not partake. Probably wouldn’t do again
Super cool race!
Such a neat race and experience! I loved the helicopter fly-over, the purpose, the course, and running under the plane wings to finish. What a memory. Highly recommend! MORE
Such a neat race and experience! I loved the helicopter fly-over, the purpose, the course, and running under the plane wings to finish. What a memory. Highly recommend!
NEVER AGAIN AIR FORCE NEVER AGAIN
I am going to copy paste what happened to everyone in pacer groups 6:15 to 7:00 hr on race day from a friend's account to illustrate why you should never … MORE
I am going to copy paste what happened to everyone in pacer groups 6:15 to 7:00 hr on race day from a friend’s account to illustrate why you should never do this race ever again:
“When we got near the gate at mile 14, we were told we were the last group. Anyone behind us would be picked up. That immediately ignited a war of words when the pacers told the bus driver that there was still another pace group behind us. We kept going. The Air Force Security folks had already shut the first gate. We were told that if we weren’t back in the gate at 11:30 we would be swept. It turns out every pace group from the 5:00 hour group back was told that. So every pacer was stressed. We remined Air Force Security that we were the official pace groups but it didn’t have an effect. We ran mile 14 and 15 and 16 through Fairborn. Its a cute little town. Lots of Halloween decorations. As we were on our way back toward the gate (near mile 15.5,) the “struggle bus” pulled up. They started telling people to get on the bus and they were being swept. I was a bit behind the pace group and heard what was going on. I started running to catch up to them. The worst feeling in the world is yelling to the pacers, “We got burned.” and they all knew what I meant. I kept running a bit further to the gate on an off chance that our luck would change. That didn’t happen. The gate was locked and the day was over. (almost). There would be no marathon completion. After about 15 minutes of a lot of words being said and pacers trying to get a hold of the race director with no result, we were all loaded on the bus to be taken back to the Air Force Museum. And then this happened. When we got there, a member of the race logistics team came onto the bus and said that the race director felt really badly about what happened. We were being dropped at the 25 mile point to get a chance to run in the last mile and still have that experience instead of a true DNF. They took our numbers to make sure we reflected as half marathoners later in the timing system. Our pace group got back together. We ran the last mile in and crossed the line together. They tried to give us the full marathon medals. We all took the half marathon medals on principal The biggest takeaway with this race is, if you are not a true 6 hour marathoner, reconsider this race.
I am also just going to copy paste the email that I sent the RD regarding what happened to us and my personal experience:
(dated 9/19/23)
Good afternoon,
as of this email, I heard there was an email sent to ppl who were picked up on the bus during saturday’s race: Where is this email as I was not cc’d on it? I read thanks to one of the pacer what was said and basically that’s the biggest issue with what occurred. The website/emails had multiple conflicting info especially for people like myself who specifically signed up for the full fly fight win challenge.
Also, we were promised finish times when we gave our bibs and got off the bus to be given the “full race experience” as the person was quoted verbatim saying. Yet as of today, we are nowhere on the results page. I signed up for the 3 races (coast guard, air force and space force) and without an official finish time because of your miscommunication now I won’t get a challenge medal for doing all 3 races?
Also, I signed up for the challenge specifically because YOUR AMBASSADOR at the columbus expo last year october 2022 specifically said that as long as you finish the 10k in 72 mins or so you will start the full. Yet, the website also says and the reminder emails confirmed that your starting line remains open until 7:55am. I stressed about this and trained specifically to be able to do 72 or so mins which I did. I verified with everyone at the information desk at your expo that yes as long as I remained within the 72 mins and then went into the full I would be allowed the full 7h time limit as long as I maintained with the pacers. My 7h pacer was actually ahead of schedule when we weren’t allowed out the gate to go to the fly zone. Why would I even sign up for your challenge if this is based on gun time the whole time? I would’ve had to finish mile 16 in 3:30mins per your gun time rule after running a 10k just to make it thru both gates. THAT SENTENCE is nowhere on your website nor did your information ppl or ambassadors know.
Now, an email went out today that I didn’t receive (bib 7538); my time is nowhere on the results for the marathon and I also noticed that most of the photos taken that I saw there yesterday have also been pulled yet I paid $70 for all of them. Your “email” to the ppl on the bus and pacers stated you are allowing us a free entry for next year’s race. Well, unfortunately, I am on a cruise during that time frame because it falls on my bday. Your race usually does fall on my bday and on Mexican Independence day and as a proud Mexican citizen and american citizen I have done your race before and never has this sort of nonsense happened. And to make matters worse, this was my 262nd time running 26.2 miles or more. At least I got the medals and had to endure running addiitonal miles around WSU just to justify to myself that I did 26.2 miles. I am emailing you because unless this is property remedied – you lost another runner that loved your race. & while suing the USAF and your race for punitive damages and attorney fees and costs seems pointless….making it my mission to NOT recommend your race as a local Ohioan and runner will go along way in making sure this doesn’t happen again and more and more awareness is given to the shady underhanded tactics your race pulls.
sincerely,
Alex Feria bib #7538
Great production and perfect weather
This was my first time at the Air Force event. I had to downgrade to the 10K at the last minute due to health issues. The weather could not have … MORE
This was my first time at the Air Force event. I had to downgrade to the 10K at the last minute due to health issues.
The weather could not have been more perfect! 51 degress at the start… They sent us off with some fireworks, and the first two miles or so were all uphill. We saw a gorgeous sunrise as a plane was flying over. Paratroopers appeared in the sky along the course as well.
The finish line set up getting to run under the plane wings was awesome! Very patriotic event, of course.
The shirts and the medals weren’t the greatest, but I really enjoyed the support along the route and the entire race production. Going back next year to knock out that half!
Great venue & support
As an experienced but 'over-the-hill' marathoner I found this uniquely awesome event, and a 'must do' race for any Air Force or aviation buff. Nice expo at Nutter Center. Event … MORE
As an experienced but ‘over-the-hill’ marathoner I found this uniquely awesome event, and a ‘must do’ race for any Air Force or aviation buff. Nice expo at Nutter Center. Event has great app for race details, including a (functional!) participant tracker for family/friends to follow during the race. Well organized with solid support on course. Good seasonal weather this year (for a Midwest late Summer marathon). Plenty of parking but long waits to drive in (30-45+min) & parking is 1+mi from Start thru wet grass (plan accordingly). Baggage check was smooth (using clear bags provided- no backpacks or personal bags for obvious security reasons). Plenty of portalets. Pre-race ceremonies were phenomenal with aircraft flyovers, parachutists, and fireworks (free ear plugs offered). Course flat EXCEPT big hills mile 1 & 21 (pain on tired legs) and couple rollers mi 23-4. Crowded 1st 3mi until half/full courses split, then plenty of room to run. Course passes along interesting aviation history sites, a bit of forest (early on), AF flight lines, and through a very supportive town (Fairborn). Spectators enthusiastic but spotty outside Start/Finish area & the town (“Fairborn Fly Zone” miles 14-16). Enthusiastic folks at aid stations added energy. Blue Mile was touching tribute to service members lost (forgot all about my leg cramps). Great finishing stretch down old flight line, past historic AF planes, and under wing of a huge transport jet. After crossing the line active duty AF officers put on your medal then volunteers provided lots of fluids & snacks. Post-race party on-site this year was great. AF had 4 helicopters (this year’s featured aircraft) with their flight crews on site for folks to see & hear about.
Air Force Museum is a must see while in town, and nice attraction for friends/family to visit while you are running, or the day pre or post race.
The AF Marathon will never get better
Absolutely perfect conditions for this year’s event, and as usual the Air Force nailed it. Extremely well organized, from bib pickup at the Nutter Center to the improved post-race festival … MORE
Absolutely perfect conditions for this year’s event, and as usual the Air Force nailed it. Extremely well organized, from bib pickup at the Nutter Center to the improved post-race festival held this year at the finish line right after the race and not at some off base venue later in the afternoon. The corrals we also new (not hundreds like Disney but a very manageable three) and greatly reduced the congestion at the first few water stops. Opted again for the shuttles going from the Nutter Center in the (early morning). Cautionary note that you’ll be waiting about 2 hours for the Half and Full Marathons to start at 0730, but there are plenty of chairs available under the main pavilion tent and it’s worth getting through security screening before boarding the bus. A brisk morning near 50 degrees was handed by distributing space blankets. Ample port-a-potties at start/finish.
Cool Marathon With Pretty Good Execution
There were some really cool aspects of the course, especially at the end where you descend down a hill overlooking an airstrip and then get to run underneath the wing … MORE
There were some really cool aspects of the course, especially at the end where you descend down a hill overlooking an airstrip and then get to run underneath the wing of a plane at the finish line.
Overall it was a well executed event, but the shuttles in the morning were outrageously and unnecessarily early (last one at 5 am), and some of the race was outside of the base on pretty boring highways.
Virtual
I participated virtually. Everything was very easy to report and the medals were mailed out promptly. Thanks to the race organizers and all the volunteers. MORE
I participated virtually. Everything was very easy to report and the medals were mailed out promptly. Thanks to the race organizers and all the volunteers.
Getting better every year
Courses were completely redesigned this year - the half marathoners still don't get bacon, but the hills are less steep. Also, this year the half and full marathoners didn't have … MORE
Courses were completely redesigned this year – the half marathoners still don’t get bacon, but the hills are less steep. Also, this year the half and full marathoners didn’t have to share a lot of course, so I suspect it was easier for both sides.
Still a bummer having to catch a 0500 shuttle for a race that begins at 0730 – but, OTOH, this year a couple of food trucks opened up earlier, so hot coffee was available – and by credit card, too!
Love the Galloway pacing teams, even if I can’t keep up with them post COVID.
Also love having access to the wear blue section – I felt sorry for the full marathoners, who had to stay on the other side of the road.
Post race festivities were very good – just need a couple of medics on the far side of the freebie food tent. 😉
Finally, one minor complaint. This year for the first time, I did the 5k on Friday, so I got to the pasta dinner pretty late (as did several others). We had to wait on faith for more food (there wasn’t a general announcement), and then for the newbies, there was no explanation that one of the pasta options was gluten free. And they were out of rolls 🙁
Really not fond of getting the same Tshirt for two races. If that’s what’s gonna happen, please give us the option of declining a shirt. Not a huge fan of the medals anymore…they seem kinda laminated/cheap, even though I know they’re not.
Other than that, I meant it – it gets better every year. I can’t make 2023, but am hoping for 2024.
Unique fun and different race
Plenty of hotels within 5-10 miles. Just book early as they will sell out due to runner demand. The expo was fairly big packet pick up was smooth. The parking … MORE
Plenty of hotels within 5-10 miles. Just book early as they will sell out due to runner demand. The expo was fairly big packet pick up was smooth. The parking lot is huge no issues parking but you may walk a mile just to get there! Note there is no pick up race day. There is also a 5k in the evening Friday sharing the parking lot, get there early or Thursday to avoid this minor crowd.
There are busses from there to race venue, from 3-5am…. Not sure why you would take the bus. Plenty of parking at the race location. Plenty!!! They use 3 entrances to get on base so things flowed. Remember where you park as it is dark. (Race starts at sunrise) and it’s over a mile to where it starts.
Lots of potties, food trucks (coffee), and unique things. Fireworks, paratroopers, and a great national anthem (even a jumbo screen so you can see from anywhere.
Race went off in 3 waves depending on pace. They also had pacers. Half and full start together. The 10k started 30 minutes before. You head up hill right away and run all around the base, not seeing the same thing twice. Many small hills all pavement through the woods, past buildings, golf course, and hangars. Not one vehicle on the road. Runners had free/safe passage the entire way. Water stops were great. Porta potties along the course were spartan… but there were portapotrees!
Shirt, medal, patch were all nice. Food at the end was plentiful with many options.
My dad is 75 and was in the Air Force. This was the 75th anniversary of the air force and he wanted to run the half… so we did it together!
Very Patriotic Event
From the USAF parachuters carrying the American flag, to the Junior ROTC cadets cheering you on and manning the water station, this is a very patriotic event. Plenty of refreshments … MORE
From the USAF parachuters carrying the American flag, to the Junior ROTC cadets cheering you on and manning the water station, this is a very patriotic event. Plenty of refreshments after you finish, water, electrolyte drinks bananas, fruit bars, etc. Only negatives for me was very little post race party, beer truck ran out, and no music. I never like it when a race does not give a dri-fit shirt in your swag bag. But still worth it!
Great tribute to the US States Air Force
Great expo at the Nutter Center, everyone was very helpful. Race day there was plenty of parking and very organized although it was quite a bit of a walk to … MORE
Great expo at the Nutter Center, everyone was very helpful. Race day there was plenty of parking and very organized although it was quite a bit of a walk to the start line. Lots of history with all kinds of aircraft all throughout the finisher shoot in the starting line. The race started off with parachutist at the firework show. The rate is self was a Wellmar course, plenty of support but a little short on spectators as it only goes to a small portion of Fairborn. It was unusually hot today and that played a big part in everybody’s race but other than that I would recommend this race
First time marathon...did not Aim High..
I was still Active Duty Air Force when I ran this race and had decided if I was going to run at least one full marathon, that it would be … MORE
I was still Active Duty Air Force when I ran this race and had decided if I was going to run at least one full marathon, that it would be the Air Force Marathon. Boy, was I in for a surprise!
The expo was awesome! It took place in a stadium with lots of merchandise to purchase. Opportunities to take photos in front with the 26.2. The dinner before the race was excellent with guest speakers (I got to meet Retired General Goldfein, squee!) and then time to tour the Air Force museum, where the dinner took place. If you’re Air Force, you’ll love this! I had been here before back in 2006, but it was like experiencing the museum for the first time all over again.
Race morning…it rained a lot. We questioned whether the race would still take place. There weren’t many places to hide from the rain and I got soaked. No more Glide, no more cushion in my shoes, soaked socks, not off to a good start. The only good part so far was bumping into my old supervisor and an old coworker from years ago. Small world!
The race was hot, the race was humid, thank God for the aid station that offered vaseline. I definitely hit the wall, because there came a point where I could walk no longer. I searched for shade, because I just needed to cool down and sit down. Towards the end, I walked the rest of the way and got what I consider a shockingly bad time. I now know that I should just be happy and thankful to have finished. Especially since the weather had become “black flag” and they were considering ending the race early.
Would I run this race again, probably not, but I am thankful for the opportunity to do so and grateful I finished. Now I have a time to beat.
Challenge yourself with the air force!
This is a unique race with some challenging elements. Being that it is an active air force base, there aren't a lot of spectators for most of the run, as … MORE
This is a unique race with some challenging elements. Being that it is an active air force base, there aren’t a lot of spectators for most of the run, as they aren’t allowed on base. Because of that, it can be challenging but they do a great job to make up for it! The water stations are top-notch cheerleaders! They place information placards all along the course to keep your mind focused on something else, and its just really cool to run through the base. The start and end is at the air force museum, so your finish line and finishing pictures are really spectacular with all the old planes.
Be prepared for some major hills along the way too! There’s a rough one right at the start and around mile 1, scattered through the race, and then the overpass bridge at about mile 20 will get you. But don’t let those stop you! Its sure to be a challenge you won’t regret.
Will Be Back Next Year...
This race is a special endurance event unlike other military marathons. It is run entirely on a military base and for that reason a lot of the mundane factors run … MORE
This race is a special endurance event unlike other military marathons. It is run entirely on a military base and for that reason a lot of the mundane factors run flawlessly. The scenery is historic and informative about the Air Force. It also means that each participant and spectator is invited to experience the Air Force from the perspective of being there. There were static aircraft at different points, lots of military hardware on display on the last mile, and a fly-over of the theme aircraft, a KC-46.
This was the 23rd annual running of the Air Force Marathon, an event with five different races — a 1K Tailwind Challenge for the very young, a 5K, 10K, half, full — and two challenges involving combinations of the four major races.
The 13,500 participants come from all 50 states and 10 foreign countries — many of them repeating the race like myself. There is also a very select group of STARs runners, about 30 men and women, who have run the marathon from the very start.
This year, running with the marathon and half marathon participants were the Air Force Chief of Staff and the commander of the Air Force Material Command. Also joining the participants were airmen from across the globe who were running as teams for the prized trophy of the Air Force Major Command Challenge.
The pre-race dinner and breakfast gave participants and spectators the opportunity of rubbing shoulders with two Olympians: Bob Schul, the Olympic gold medalist, Air Force veteran and Wright State University Coach; and Grace Norman, the Paralympic Gold Medalist and Cedarville University nursing student. The breakfast was at the host Holiday Inn. The dinner was in the Presidential Hangar of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Both venues and the food were tops!
I didn’t attend the Post Race Party where the next logo was unveiled.
In addition to unique shirts, all participants earn a distinctive medal that is event based. True to the Air Force, each participant is also awarded a “mission” patch unique to each marathon. Then there are additional bling, hats, and other awards based on race finish and challenge.
The volunteer ratio of the Air Force Marathon is almost one for every 10 runners — from signup to expo and race day. That means that bib packet pickup is easily accomplished and the route woven in such a way that one gets to visit the many vendors at the expo. It also means that there was no shortage of individuals willing to assist with issues or cheer on the participants either en route, at the hydration stations, first aid stations, at the start gate or the finish line.
Participants were treated to free bus transportation to and from the Wright State Nutter Center, which meant that the coordinators were endeavoring to make as pleasant an experience as possible. Otherwise, event parking was what one would have expected attending an airshow.
There also was a huge post-race tent offering free refreshments, fruit and other food items and space blankets for the finishers.
This was my second AF Marathon 10K. For me, as an Air Force Retiree, this event offered many déjà vu moments. I wear my comfortable AF PTU gear, sometimes with a torch flashlight radio, and I am once again doing PT early in the morning, taking in the sunrise amid the bustle of an active military base. The difference is a paved course instead of a cinder track and thousands of other runners. I even managed to catch up to another Air Force Retiree and cancer survivor who, like me, saw this race as his own demonstration of personal wellness.
The 10K launched in darkness amid the thunder of fireworks and motivational music. This was done to allow the other races to finish before the heat index turned critical. It rained at one point and the first hill presented a formidable obstacle — just like you would expect of any Air Force training. Yet, the last two miles were through the taxiways and hardstands that I once walked as an young airman — aircraft et all.
The Air Force Marathon has become a family destination event as my wife and six-year-old granddaughter joined me this year with the 5K. I then returned the next morning to do the 10K, shaving about six minutes from my personal time. I’m proudest of my granddaughter and her participation. It was her second 5K.
Next year, however, I intend to wear reflective gear and personal battery light for safety.
I also suggest that people register early to take advantage of discounts. Hotel reservations should also be made early because this weekend is also Parents Weekend at nearby University of Dayton.