Marathon 10K sells out before price increase

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Air Force Marathon office has announced that the 10K race sold out on March 23 in a record-setting 12-week period, just ahead of the April 2 price increase.

"In 2011, it took fi ve and a half months for the 10K to close out," said Rob Aguiar, assistant race director. "This year, it took just under 12 weeks. In fact, all of the races are well ahead of last year's registration numbers, and we anticipate selling out in early April."

Mr. Aguiar said the event is currently at 65 percent of capacity, but with the price increase coming, he expects that number to jump dramatically.

"We typically experience a huge surge in registrations just prior to a price increase, so we expect this weekend to be very busy."

Prices for the full and half marathons are currently $85 and $70, while the 5K is $25. All race prices except the 5K will rise by $5 on April 2. Another price increase is scheduled for June 2 if there are any spots remaining.

Something new that marathon offi cials have added this year is a digital "in training" badge that runners can claim after they register. They can then post the badge to their Facebook, Twitter or Linked In profi le to let their friends know they are registered for the event.

More than 1,700 runners have already posted the badge to their social network profile, marathon officials said.

In addition to the digital training badge, all registered runners receive a T-shirt, hat, patch and goodie bag. Everyone who finishes a race also gets a medal that this year features the Northrup Grumman B-2 Spirit "Stealth" bomber.

Medals are presented at the finish line by a senior Air Force officer. The race is held at the majestic National Museum of the United States Air Force, and runners are treated to military aircraft flyovers throughout the day.

The Air Force Marathon, presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, will be held Sept. 15 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Participants start and finish at the National Air Force Museum, and spectators are welcome at the museum or in downtown Fairborn. Other events include a half marathon and 10K to be held on the 15th. The Air Force 5K, hosted by Wright State University, will be run on Sept. 14 at the Wright State University Nutter Center. The Sports and Fitness Expo will also be held at the Nutter Center on Sept. 13-14.

The Air Force Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying event, and the course goes past a number of historic landmarks including Huffman Prairie where the Wright brothers perfected manned flight.

For more information see http://www.usafmarathon.com .