Get ready to make your mark on history at the Air Force Marathon, an annual endurance event that takes place on the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Race weekend features five event distances: a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Tailwind Trot 1K …
MORE
Get ready to make your mark on history at the Air Force Marathon, an annual endurance event that takes place on the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Race weekend features five event distances: a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Tailwind Trot 1K Kids’ Run.
Since its inception in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Air Force, this iconic event has celebrated the service, strength, and spirit of the Air Force community.
The Boston Qualifying marathon course is steeped in historic aviation sites, taking runners on a journey through over 110 years of military airpower history. The finish line is set at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, providing a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Beginning at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the course heads up one of only two solid hills right from the start before dropping down into Historic Huffman Flying Field in the third mile. From there, you can expect a very flat and fast route for the next 17 miles as runners lap the flight line where the 445th Airlift Wing constantly flies the beautiful C-17! Continue into Fairborn at mile 15 for what is lovingly referred to as the Fairborn Fly Zone. Stay cool here and don’t let the incredible energy cause you to accelerate too much as you make your way down Main Street!
Returning back to the base, you then run through the historic brick house living quarters that were recently added to the National Historic Register. Fly by the golf course and out onto the 844 freeway before exiting right into Wright State University’s athletic facilities. From here a few gentle rolling hills and one downhill separate you from the flat final mile. Once back inside the Air Force base gates of Area B at mile 26, zip along a portion of the old flight line and finish under the wing tips of historic aircrafts at the museum’s Air Park!
WHERE PERSEVERANCE AND PRIDE TAKE FLIGHT!
LESS
Cool to do once
The initial pageantry of the race was very cool with the paratroopers and the flyovers. The last bit to the finish line, you run under the wings of several planes. … MORE
The initial pageantry of the race was very cool with the paratroopers and the flyovers. The last bit to the finish line, you run under the wings of several planes. The race was pretty well organized, the aid stations were plentiful.
If you have people who want to spectate, there’s only really one place along the course to do so. The course also is very exposed towards the end so there’s no shade during the times when you’ll definitely want it. It got hot enough this year to warrant the “extreme” stress warning by 12ish.
Thanks to those who serve
There is a great amount of pageantry in this race. There were paratroopers at the start and a flyover as well. You get to finish under the wings of some … MORE
There is a great amount of pageantry in this race. There were paratroopers at the start and a flyover as well. You get to finish under the wings of some very large Airforce planes. The support by all the personal was fantastic.
However, if you have a friend or family member who wants to spectate, there is really one place they can see you on the course. There are very few people along the course to cheer for you, so be prepared for that. That was not explicitly clear in the instructions. There is a clear bag policy to get to the start and finish and that was also not communicated well or consistently, so just beware. I recognize the challenge of getting a race like this through all the logistical challenges, but the comms could be more consistent between the site, the app and any emails.
For an insider trick, find the porta potties closest to the start. There was hardly anyone there.
Fly, Fight, Finish…
Participated in the Fly Fight Win Challenge for the Full Marathon distance and it was every bit as tough as advertised. Course is surprisingly hilly in parts, has VERY limited … MORE
Participated in the Fly Fight Win Challenge for the Full Marathon distance and it was every bit as tough as advertised. Course is surprisingly hilly in parts, has VERY limited shade (often in places you really wish you had it), but is also very picturesque in parts. Air Force Base, yes, but also a lovely little town area. Not as humid or hot this year, I was told, but still in the mid to upper 80s by finish time, and still hot enough to get an extreme warning for course conditions by about 11:45am. Finished in part thanks to a really lovely pace group. Worth your time? Absolutely, the organization and logistics were every bit as well planned as you’d imagine for a military race, and the course is lovely.
Great race, scenery a bit dull
I didn't make it to the expo (packet pick-up available day of for an extra fee), but here's my assessment of the race day experience. Pros: - Organization: Not quite … MORE
I didn’t make it to the expo (packet pick-up available day of for an extra fee), but here’s my assessment of the race day experience.
Pros:
– Organization: Not quite majors level organization but close! aid stations were great, bag drop well located, plenty of bathrooms at the start, good communication leading up to the race
– Swag: nice finisher shirt and great medal. They also have on site medal engraving which I love
– Airplanes: Cool airplanes! Para troopers dropped in at the start which was cool, a couple fly overs from interesting military aircraft.
Cons:
– Significant time needed to get to start: They recommend 90-120 mins early before start time and definitely listen to this. 30 mins of traffic to get on to base, security check points, etc.
– Scenery: A bit dull once you get away from the airplanes. Lots of runways, etc.
– Heat: can be quite hot by the end of the race.
Well organized, good cause
We did this because we have two sons in the Air Force. State number 17! Communication and price was great. Weather great as were from Florida so was 20 degrees … MORE
We did this because we have two sons in the Air Force. State number 17! Communication and price was great. Weather great as were from Florida so was 20 degrees cooler. Expo very disappointing. We got there Friday and most was gone. We tried to buy last year shirts and the volunteers said the machine broke and they packed up. Literally a few vendors left. Packet pickup easy but a shirt and patch in the so called goodie bag. We left early parking was easy and an easy walk. Long restroom lines. Not super crowded and easy to start. Not many spectators if you’re looking for that. Most of the Air Force volunteers were sitting on their phones. The water stations rocked though, all those people were super motivating!! Almost every mile was a water station and port a pottie. End of race was a chute and you were rushed to grab snacks, no stopping allowed. Nothing warm or solid just snacks. Beer tent was nice for one beer. There were food trucks you had to pay for. A couple vendors and people just walked back to car. No sort of festival. Medal was average and nice. Shirt is cotton. Glad we did it and got to experience it.
Expo Chaos, Well-run Race, Airforce Flex
Here's the basics: - The Expo the night before the race was stressful. One of the parking lots, which I was directed to park in and this was not clearly … MORE
Here’s the basics:
– The Expo the night before the race was stressful. One of the parking lots, which I was directed to park in and this was not clearly marked with signage, was blocked by an evening race for over an hour. This almost caused me to miss my pasta dinner, just barely making it. This was a stressful evening and I do not know why they would block off any of the parking lots the day before a major race where runners are picking up their bibs, etc.
The race itself, once it started, was good. The AirForce had a parachute team fly onto the field next to the start line, and a stratofueler flew over the start line. Overall, a very neat experience.
The race also had a good number of pit stops on it. Finishing on the airfield was also a very unique and cool experience, being medalled by airmen or retired airmen.
The location of the marathon next to the museum is also very cool. Overall a well-run race, outside of the Expo related chaos.
Check this one off
Having lived in the area, had always wanted to run this race. My daughter ran the half, I did the 10k. The expo was disappointing with not much left on … MORE
Having lived in the area, had always wanted to run this race. My daughter ran the half, I did the 10k. The expo was disappointing with not much left on Friday night. We stayed at a hotel not far from the base. Finding the entrance we were allowed to go in was a challenge, found it on the third try. Instructions on the email were useless. We were not alone in this as we saw other cars turning around with us. The walk from the parking lot wasn’t bad. Ample parking which was nice. Lots of porta potties. The race itself is just, well, boring. They are wise to have the parachute team and other cool planes and helicopters as this is the only distraction from the concrete. But, to be expected as it is an Air Force base. The finish line is cool as you come in under the wings of many awesome AF jets. That was great. The beer at the end was cold and refreshing. Lots of tables around and options to buy food. It was very hot. It’s definitely a bucket list race I’m glad I did, but will be choosing others in the future.
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.