Air Force Marathon planning in full swing

  • Published
  • By Stacey Geiger
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The Air Force Marathon is two months away and the marathon staff have been busily preparing for another successful event.

Brandon Hough, Air Force Marathon director, said the foundation of the marathon is set and the final details are being wrapped up. They are finalizing contracts, medical plans and tying the knot on open ends with vendors and sponsors.

The marketing also shifts to attract the shorter distance runners.

“Because of the necessity to train, at this point into the year, most people who are going to run the half or full marathons have already signed up,” said Hough. “So our staff now works on attracting more runners to register for the 5K and 10K. 

Hough said one major change to note about this year’s marathon is the course change and start time. 

“It will be a new experience for all runners,” said Hough. “Based on the feedback from the participants, the marathon will now go through the base housing, the half marathon will now include Area B and the 10K will stay within Area B. The start times on marathon day have also moved up. The 10K will start at 6:30 a.m., the wheeled at 7:25 a.m., and the half and full at 7:30 a.m.” 

Other changes to look for at the 2019 Air Force Marathon are:

  • Runners participating in the Fly, Fight and Win Challenge can now choose the half or full. 
  • New “Tailwind Trot” 1K kids’ run on Friday, Sep. 20
  • Two dining shifts for the pasta dinner
  • Fireworks at the start of the race
  • New finisher gifts for half and full participants
  • New sponsors and food

The 2019 Air Force Marathon is presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing and is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. The Sports & Fitness expo is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 20. The Breakfast of Champions is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20, from 8 to 10 a.m. and the Gourmet Pasta Dinner is scheduled for Friday evening, starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information about the Air Force Marathon go to www.usafmarathon.com.