Wright-Patt welcomes runners to AF Marathon Published Sept. 19, 2014 By Diane Kofoed 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. -- The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base community will see approximately 15,000 runners for the 18th Air Force Marathon, welcoming competitors from all 50 states and several countries. Events scheduled for Sept 19-20 include the Sports and Fitness Expo, 5K run, 10K run, half marathon, full marathon and an after-party at the Greene Town Center. The Sports and Fitness Expo is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Nutter Center on Sept. 19. The expo includes a wide variety of vendors and information. Running bibs must be picked up that day. Bibs cannot be picked on Sept. 20 before the race. The 5K run will also be held on Sept. 19. Opening ceremony for the 5K will be at Wright State University's Stetzer Pavilion near the Nutter Center (3640 Colonel Glenn Highway) and will begin at 6:15 p.m. The 5K will officially begin at 6:30 p.m. with the awards presentation to follow at 7:30 p.m. The Air Force full and half marathons and 10K will be on Sept. 20. From 4:30 to 6:30 a.m. runners can be dropped off at the Wright State University Nutter Center parking lot to meet bus transportation. Passengers on the bus systems must have a runner bib to board. Bus routes will be one-way trips only. Running entry gates will open at 5 a.m. At 7:10 a.m. the marathon and 10K opening ceremony will be held, with both races beginning at 7:30 a.m. The half marathon opening ceremony will be at 8:15 a.m., with the race beginning at 8:30 a.m. The overall award presentation will be at noon at the festival tent. At 5 p.m. the Greene Town Center (51 Plum St.) will host the Marathon After-Party. The event will feature a skydiver at approximately 5:55 p.m., live music with Top Shelf, a photo booth and more. To those participating in running events, remember that pets, coolers, glass and alcohol are prohibited. Only clear running bags will be allowed. It is recommended to arrive at your race's starting point an hour and a half before start time.