“People are going to get an experience out of the Air Force Marathon that they won’t get at any other place across the country,” said Col. Tom Sherman, commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patt.
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The 5K starts at 6:30 p.m. today on Wright State University’s campus near the Nutter Center while the marathon and 10K start at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and the half marathon begins at 8:15 a.m. Saturday. The full marathon, half marathon and 10K are all run on the base.
The marathon expects to welcome around the same number of runners as it did last year, Sherman said. But, there are still spots available and people can register to run in some of the races through Friday.
“We are really excited with how the marathon is shaping up this year,” said Col Tom Sherman, installation commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patt. “We are (at) well over 12,000 participants and we are breaking some records in our 5K and 10K this year so we are super excited about the level of participation.”
The weather will be “warm and muggy” for the marathon’s festivities as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-80s, said Storm Center 7 meteorologist Jesse Maag. The heat index will approach the 90-degree mark and there’s a small chance of rain.
“It appears we do have a slight chance for a few isolated showers and thunderstorms popping up in the afternoon hours,” Maag said. “Most of us should enjoy a good amount of sunshine, however, so don’t expect a wash by any means.”
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Traffic could be backed up early on roads surrounding the base as gates will open at 5 a.m. Saturday.
Runners can enter at gate 22B or gates on Spinning Drive and Woodman Drive, according to the marathon. Guests, volunteers and people using handicap parking can enter at a gate at the National Museum of the United States Air Force but they’ll need a pass to get in.
This year the RTA is offering shuttle buses to runners who can hop on at Wright State University’s Nutter Center starting at 4:30 a.m. RTA buses will depart from the Nutter Center every 10 minutes until 6 a.m., according to Wright-Patt. Shuttles will also be available for runners in downtown Fairborn at 9:45 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
“The neighboring communities are absolutely integral to our marathon this year,” Sherman said. “Everything from the support we get from Wright State University to all of our folks here in Fairborn and Riverside… this is very much not just an Air Force event but a community event as well.”
The marathon weekend kicked off Thursday with a two-day expo at Wright State’s Nutter Center. The expo provided a place for runners to pick up their credentials and more 100 booths from local businesses including everything from Starbucks to Boeing and USA Sports, according to the Air Force.
American Olympian Jeff Galloway, who competed in the 1972 Olympic games in Munich, Germany, is the marathon’s featured speaker. He spoke Thursday evening at the expo and will speak again today at 3:30 p.m.
The weekend events will also feature special ceremonies and speakers at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and an after party at The Greene scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday.
“We could not be more excited to welcome so many people from all around the country, and even the world for the 22nd running of the marathon,” said race director Brandon Hough. “We’ve really focused on providing a great experience, and I think the runners will really enjoy what we’ve got planned for them.”
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Directions to the Air Force Marathon
TRAVELERS FROM THE EAST & SOUTH: Those coming from the east on I-70 should exit onto I-675 South (exit 44A). Those coming from the south on I-75 should exit onto I-675 North (exit 43). Travel to Exit 15 (Colonel Glenn Highway). As you exit, merge onto the left lane and continue straight to Gate 22B, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Area B.
TRAVELERS FROM THE NORTH & WEST (I-70W or I-70S): Those coming from the west on I-70 should merge onto I-75S (exit 33A) toward Dayton. Travel 8.5 miles, merge onto U.S. 35E (exit 52B) toward Xenia. Travel approximately 5 miles. Take the Woodman Road exit and turn left. Travel on Woodman Road for approximately 1.5 miles through four lights. After you cross Airway Road, The entrance for Woodman Road gate is on the right.
TRAVELERS ON U.S. 35: Travelers from U.S. 35 (east or west) should take the Woodman Road Exit. From the east, turn right. From the west, turn left onto Woodman Drive. Travel on Woodman Road for approximately 1.5 miles through four lights. After you cross Airway Road, the entrance for the Woodman Road gate is on the right.
TRAVELERS ON COLONEL GLENN OR SOUTHBOUND HARSHMAN AVENUE: From the southbound lanes of Harshman Avenue, turn left onto Airway Road. Go 0.8 miles and turn left into Spinning Road gate. From Colonel Glenn Highway, head west on Colonel Glenn Highway, which turns into Airway Road. Turn right at Spinning Road Gate.
NO RUNNER ENTRY at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force gate.
Runners and family members will walk to the start line from the parking areas.
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