“Last year we made a significant overhaul of the course, added a kids race, and more entertainment and displays throughout the course,” said Brandon Hough, Air Force Marathon race director. “Based on the feedback, runners had a great experience so we hope to continue to make the Air Force Marathon bigger and better every year.”
After a successful turnout of the first kids run last year, the Tailwind Trot for children ages 4-12 will return and due to its popularity, the number of registrations will increase. In addition, the Fly! Flight! Win! Challenge will again offer the option to run either the half or full marathon along with the 5K and 10K run to receive the special finisher medal.
New in 2020, a “virtual marathon” option will be available to allow runners from all over the world to join in from afar.
“We have Airmen all over the world who want to be involved in this incredible annual tradition, but due to deployments, temporary duty assignments, remote assignments and a host of other reasons, they are not able to join us,” Hough said. “Adding a virtual option allows them to challenge themselves while taking part in the annual celebration of the Air Force Marathon.”
Participants can choose between the virtual half or full marathon and will need to run their selected distance between Sept.12-27 next year. Once runners submit proof of their accomplishment, they will then receive their finisher medal and race shirt. The virtual marathon option is open to all runners.
Registration prices will increase throughout the year leading up to the Air Force Marathon on Sept. 19. The New Year’s resolution special will be valid through Jan. 3, and prices are as follows:
Distance / Price
Marathon / $75
Half Marathon / $65
10K / $35
5K / $22
Tailwind Trot / $10
Challenge Series / $120
Military, including reservists and guardsmen, can receive $10 off registration for the full, half and challenge races or $5 off the 5K or 10K runs.
Runners can register at www.usafmarathon.com by clicking the registration tab.
The Air Force Marathon, presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. The Health & Fitness Expo is held at Wright State University’s Nutter Center and is scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18. The event will also feature a breakfast of champions and gourmet pasta dinner Sept. 18. The featured aircraft for 2020 will be the HH-60G Pave Hawk. Get more information about the race at www.usafmarathon.com.
By Stacey Geiger, 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs