Air Force announces featured aircraft for the 2015 USAF Marathon

  • Published
  • By Rick Perron
  • USAF Marathon Office
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Officials have named the U-2S 'Dragon Lady' as the 2015 featured aircraft for the Air Force Marathon.

The nearly 60-year old reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft is produced by Lockheed Martin and will be featured on the Air Force Marathon logo, medals and shirts.

"We're very excited about this year's plane," said Rob Aguiar, race director. "It has a long track record of distinguished service to the nation."

The U-2S is a single-seat, single-engine high-altitude/near space reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft providing signals, imagery, and electronic measurements and signature intelligence. The aircraft took its first flight in August 1955 and achieved initial operating capability in 1956. It has a rich history, from photographing Soviet missile emplacements in Cuba in 1962, to service in the Korean War, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq.  When requested, the U-2 also provides peacetime reconnaissance in support of disaster relief from floods, earthquakes, and forest fires as well as search and rescue operations.  Runners can learn more about our featured aircraft at www.af.mil.

The Air Force Marathon will open registration on January 1, 2015.  Runners can register at www.usafmarathon.com.

"We're running a great promotion this year," Aguiar added, "I encourage everyone to register on January 1, to take advantage of the New Year's Resolution discount."

Runners can save $10 on the half and full marathons and $5 on the 10K and 5K races but only on the first of the year.  Prices will then increase on January 2 and as the race gets closer.

The Air Force Marathon, presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, will be Saturday, September 19, 2015. The Sports & Fitness Expo is held at Wright State University's Nutter Center and will be Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18. The event will also feature a Gourmet Pasta Dinner, Breakfast of Champions and 5K race on Friday, September 18. Get more information about the race at www.usafmarathon.com.