United States Air Force Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Sid B.
Goose Creek, SC

  (09-29-2010)

"This was my 4th year in a row running this marathon. The organization from packet pickup to crossing the finish line is awesome. The start,with a fly over by an Air Force Jet,is among one of the most emotional starts of any marathon,and the finsih will give you goose bumps,compares to the Marine Corps Marathon.
The course is held mostly on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,so crowds are no were as big as with others,but they make up for this with great themed aid stations and some of the best volunteers you will find anywere.
For about 2 miles around just before mile 9 thru after mile 10,the course takes you into the town of Fairborn,and the people of Fairborn go all out to support us runners,really gives you an energy rush.
This event is on a Military base,so when they say arrive early,they mean it,you sould arrive at least 2 hours before the start,you have to go thru security. There is a walk from the parking area to the start,but its not bad walk,and it helps get rid of nerves. At the end,the walk back to your car helps recovery. Be patient leaving ,you have alot of cars trying to get off base,and you may have to wait a little.
This is one of the MUST DO MARATHONS,and I highly recommend it."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Ray C.
Chicago, IL

  (09-21-2010)

"Great race. Flat and scenic race. Great crowd support and overall organization. I would do this race again next year."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Kelly C.
newport, MI

  (09-19-2010)

"Most of this race was run on the Air Force base so if your family is coming be forewarned they won't be able to see you alot and if you like tons of fans for support this might not be the race for you. Other than the start finish and the spectator areas, this isn't a course lined with crowds. But the volunteers and the service men and women along the course are TERRIFIC! There may not be tons of them, but the ones that are there do a great job of cheering you on. The military nerds are the best and downtown Fairborn is packed and rockin' on race day. That mile or so goes by in a flash.

Most of the course is flat but the hilly part right at the beginning which you'll have the pleasure of re-running right at the end is pretty wicked. Alot of the course is winding, some through some shady forested areas, but be prepared for the runway. It sounds cool running on the Air Force base runway, but it comes just after mile 16 and is nothing but straight, flat, pavement. It's hot and it goes on FOREVER.

Speaking of hot, if the marathon happens to fall on a hot sunny day be prepared to drink extra fluids. The last 6 miles there's no shade to be found. You'll be baking like a toasted cheeser and no friendly neighborhoods with hoses or sprinklers are around to come to the rescue. The good news is there's tons of aid stations, nearly one every mile to keep you hydrated and joy of all joys, a port-a-potty at every one (RIGHT ON USAF! I love you for your massive amounts of bathrooms).

The tech shirts are sweet in my humble opinion and so is the medal. But the very best part (besides running the chute between all the aircraft with my kiddos the next day) was being given a medal by a USAF officer.

So all in all not my favorite course. Not necessarily my favorite post race perks or pre-race goodie bag. I probably won't do this one again, but COME ON!! It's the United States Air Force man. You've got to do it at least once.

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Larry P.
Cleveland, OH

  (09-27-2009)

"This was my first time running the USAF marathon in Dayton. I wasn’t sure what to expect but the time of year was perfect. The weather was extremely cooperative and mild at the start with clear sunny skies throughout the day, making for a pleasant run.

Before the start of the race, two paratroopers parachuted in streaming the American flag and the POW flag behind them. And the Air Force treated us to a thunderous two jet fly by just before the official start.

The race itself was extremely organized. From the start to finish, this thing was under control and worked like clockwork. But then, we are talking about the Air Force so there should be no real surprise here.

The crowds were extremely supportive and Air Force servicemen conducted traffic control, which made for a unique touch.

While the first mile consisted of a steep incline as we proceeded off the base, the final mile had us run down what looked like a runway of aviation history before crossing the finish line. Aircraft of every kind that had served in our military in some capacity, and a few that weren’t a part of our military, were lined up along both sides of the last half-mile of the race. At the very end, inside the finishers’ area, was the Air Force’s latest addition, the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle. The Global Hawk is also imprinted on the finisher’s medal and runner’s patch.

There did appear to be some discrepancy early on with the timing. I found it hard to believe that I was able to run one mile in 12 minutes and the next in 5 minutes. But the discrepancy appeared to be resolved before the midpoint of the race.

The other point about this race was during the last 4 miles or so, they turned the walkers loose on the course. And while dodging through people is the last thing you want to do near the end of a marathon, having the extra company does provide some additional motivation and encouragement.

At the finish line, there were officers and servicemen shaking hands and congratulating finishers, which also made for a unique addition. Where else can you run 26 miles and cap it off by having an United States Air Force Officer shake your hand and congratulate you?

We had lots of entertainment along the course, some of if from the local talent, some recorded and played over a boom box. There were enthusiastic crowds on the course cheering all runners and lots of water/electrolyte support along the route. All runners received a commemorative patch, a towel sporting the image of the Global Hawk, and a disposable timing chip imprinted with the Air Force logo and the race name.

There are races that you aspire to run, like Boston. Then there are the races you run because they provide you with a memorable experience. The USAF Marathon is definitely one of the latter and will be one of the most memorable races that you will ever complete.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009