Page - Marathon
Marathon Event Details
Saturday, September 21st, 2024 at 7:30 a.m.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Marathon Course Map & Description
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 they 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!
Athlete Amenities
All registered marathon athletes will receive a race shirt, virtual goodie bag, and a complimentary commemorative patch. Athletes who are 21 years old or older will also receive a voucher for a complimentary beer at the finish line.
All marathon finishers will receive a finisher medal (made in the USA), Heatsheet, and finish line refreshments. Finisher certificates will be available to download after the race.
Rules & Regulations
Age Restrictions
Athletes must be 16 years old or older on race day in order to register for the marathon.
Time Limit
All marathon participants must finish within the 6 hour 30 minute gun time limit in order to receive an official time and a finisher’s medal. For your own health and safety, the 6 hour 30 minute limit will be strictly adhered to and there will be no exceptions. Full marathon participants must maintain a 14:55 minute mile pace and reach Mile 21 (Gate 15A) by 1:05 pm or they will be escorted off the course and will not receive a finishers medal or an official time.
Safety on the Course
No animals, no strollers, no baby joggers, no bicycles, no scooters, no inline skates, no roller skates, and no wheeled vehicles (other than registered wheelchair and official Bike EMS and Patrol Teams) will be allowed on the course. Strollers and baby joggers are allowed for the 5K event only.
Bib Pick-Up
Bib pick-up will be held at the Health & Fitness Expo located at the Wright State University Nutter Center on September 19th and 20th. There will be no bib pick-up on Saturday, September 21st unless you pre-paid for race day packet pick-up.
What You Need:
You must present a photo ID and know your bib number in order to pick up your bib. Bib numbers will be issued in late August, and you may either look them up ahead of time, or look them up at the designated Bib Number Look-Up station at the Expo.
If you are unable to attend the Expo yourself, you must make arrangements for a representative to pick up your bib for you. You must fill out and sign the Bib Pick-Up Authorization Form (found here), and your representative must present the completed form, a copy of your photo ID, and their own photo ID. Representatives who do not have these three things will not be able to pick up your bib, no exceptions.
Parking & Directions
We offer free onsite parking located approximately one mile from the start line. See the Directions, Parking, & Shuttles page for details.
Fairborn Fly Zone (Spectator)
Family and friends can head over to the Fairborn Fly Zone located around miles 15-16 of the marathon course. The Fly Zone provides free bus transportation from the Air Force Marathon start line at the National Museum of the United States Air Force to downtown Fairborn and back. Learn more here.
Awards
Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in the following categories:
Overall | Active Duty Military | Wheeled Division | Mobility Impaired
Additionally, awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age group. See the Awards page for more details.