John Anagnostou's Staging Area

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.