AFMC Command News

AF Marathon officials spread word about upcoming event

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Monique Randolph
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON --  Officials from the U.S. Air Force Marathon office made a stop at the Pentagon May 6 and 7 to increase awareness for the Sept. 20 event held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

This is the twelfth year for the annual marathon, and officials hope to make it the biggest year yet.

"Our goal is to have 10,000 runners signed up for the events this year," said Molly Louden, marathon director. More than 6,700 runners participated last year.

Marathon events will include the 26.2 mile marathon, a 13.1 mile half-marathon, a 10K individual and four-person team race and a family-friendly 5K race the evening before on the grounds of neighboring event partner Wright State University. There also will be a two-day sport and fitness expo as well as a gourmet pasta dinner.

Bart Yasso, Runner's World chief running officer, will conduct running clinics at the expo, speak at the dinner and talk with runners. He also will present awards on race day.

The marathon will begin and end at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and includes a few new elements from previous years.

"The course is walker-friendly, and people will have up to seven hours to complete it," Mrs. Louden said. "The course was also redesigned this year. There used to be a challenging hill at mile 23, and we've changed the course to get rid of that hill.

"We've also added some new spectator locations including the city of Fairborn, which is right outside the gates of Wright-Patterson," she said. "The city is on board and they're planning a community breakfast and other fun things for spectators to do. We've also added mileage around the flightline so runners can see the planes parked on the runway."

The marathon also will feature the "MAJCOM Challenge" to encourage competition among Airmen assigned to the Air Force's major commands and the Air National Guard. The winner of the MAJCOM Challenge is based on a point system that accounts for the participants' ages and the percentage of participation from each major command. Air Education and Training Command, headquartered at Randolph AFB, Texas, won the inaugural competition in 2007.

The Air Force Marathon is open to the general public, all military members, family members, and civil service employees. Those who wish to participate or volunteer can register on the U.S. Air Force Marathon Web site. Permissive temporary duty is authorized for active-duty Airmen who participate in the marathon, with permission from their chain of command.

Senior Air Force leaders will present medals to everyone who completes the marathon, said Mrs. Louden. This year's medal will depict the F-22 Raptor.

The Air Force Marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.