Marathon History

• History of the Air Force Marathon
• Record Holders
• Past Results

History of the Air Force Marathon

The first official marathon was held on September 20, 1997, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Air Force, and is held the third Saturday in September each year in celebration of the U.S. Air Force. 2012 marks the 16th year and will be held September 15, three days before the 65th anniversary of the Air Force.

To commemorate our rich history in flight, each year one aircraft is chosen to be highlighted during the marathon and on the unique finisher's medal presented to each race participant.

In 2012, the Air Force Marathon will feature the B-2 Spirit. The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.

The marathon course is a 26.2-mile run that traverses historical places on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, including the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, the Wright-Patterson AFB flight line, Huffman Prairie Flying Field, and the Wright Brothers Memorial Monument.

All levels of runners participate from around the world in the marathon, wheelchair, half marathon, 10K, and 5K races.

The race will be capped at 15,000 participants across all 4 events in 2012.

The Air Force Marathon course is certified by the USA Track and Field Association and is a Boston Qualifier.

Marathon Record Holders - Individual

Event Countdown

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