Each runner must attend the Sports and Fitness Expo as there will be NO runner registration or packet pickup on September 18, 2010.

Where and when is the USAF Marathon?

The Air Force Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K will be held on September 18, 2010.  The Start and Finish Lines are at the National Museum of the United States Air force, 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433.

The 5K race is held on September 17, 2010.  The Start and Finish line are at the Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, Ohio 45435.

All runners will be required to pick up their runner’s packet (picture ID is required), t-shirt, and goodie bag at the Ervin J. Nutter Center from 12:00 NOON TO 7:00 PM ON Thursday, September 16 and from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 17.

There will be no runner registration or packet pickup on September 18, 2010.

See: Directions

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How early should I arrive at the race venue?

The earlier the better! We suggest that runners arrive at the start line located at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at least one and one half hours before the scheduled start of their race as traffic can back up quickly.  Opening Ceremonies will begin at 7:00 am; the Full Marathon Wheelchair Division will start at 7:14 am; the Full Marathon and 10K will begin at 7:15 am; and the Half Marathon will begin at 8:30 am.

The 5K race on September 17, 2009 will be held at the Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University at 6:30 pm.  The Air Force Marathon Sports & Fitness Expo, where runners pick up their packets, is held at this location as well, and can become a very congested area. We suggest arriving at 4:30 pm.

See: Directions

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May I switch my registration from one race to another?

Runners may change their registration to another race if there are slots available. Please download the Registration Change form located below. No cost will be assessed if changing from a longer length race to a shorter race (e.g. Marathon to 10K) if submitted by August 28th. Registration change requested made after August 28, 2010 must be completed at the Sports & Fitness Expo and a $10.00 fee will be assessed.  Do not send or fax your Registration Change form after August 28, 2010.

If you require a change in your registration to a race that is higher in price; you will be expected to pay the difference on the rate published on the date the change is completed.

Download: Race Change Form [pdf]

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What is your cancellation policy?

Our policy is that registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (to other years or individuals). The only exception is for official military deployment.

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Your cancellation policy states that registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, but I have been issued orders to deploy, and I have already registered and paid to participate in the USAF Marathon. Can I get a refund?

Refunds will be given to individuals who have deployment orders that will prevent them from participating in the marathon. The following are the requirements for a refund:
  - Copy of deployment orders
  - Mailing address where refund will be sent

Above items must be faxed to the USAF Marathon office at (937) 656-1000 or DSN 986-1000.

See Also: For more information visit Active Duty.

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Where do I pick up my bib and runner's packet and what do I need?

Each runner is required to show photo identification to pick up their bib and runner packet at the Sports & Fitness Exposition held at the Ervin J. Nutter Center.  Check out the Sports & Fitness Exposition page for details.

See: Race Rules

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Can my friend pick up my race packet for me?

Due to security reasons we ask that runners make every effort to pick up their own race packets at the Sports and Fitness Expo.  A picture ID is required and we suggest you bring your runner registration confirmation.

Runners who are not able to pick up their packets in person must make arrangements for a representative to pick up their packets.  Your representative must present a copy of your photo ID and a signed authorization from you in order to claim your race packet, goodie bag, and chip timing device.

One person is limited to picking up a total of four race packets.

Download: Packet Pickup Authorization Form [pdf]
NOTE: Packet Pickup representatives will be limited to picking up four race packets, including their own.

See: Race Rules

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Can I register and pick up my race packet on race day?

Unfortunately, we do not allow race registration or race packet pick up on race day (Saturday). 5K participants may pick up their packet on Thursday or Friday before the 6:30 start time.
All runners are required to pick up their runner’s packet (picture ID is required), t-shirt, and goodie bag at the Sports & Fitness Expo.

Registrations will be accepted at the Sports & Fitness Expo if all races have not sold out. Races are limited to 3000 Marathon participants, 5000 Half Marathon and 2000 10K registered runners. The 5K is limited to 2,000 participants.  It is recommended to register early on-line for better savings and a confirmed race slot.

See: Registration

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Is the USAF Marathon open to the public?

Yes, absolutely! In 2009 73% of our participants were civilian.

See: Registration

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How can I volunteer to help with the USAF Marathon?

The USAF Marathon is such a great event because of our dedicated volunteers. We are always looking for help, especially the week prior to and during the marathon. You just need to fill out your information and when you want to volunteer we will send you a confirmation. Thanks in advance!

See: Volunteer

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How long do I have to complete the course when I run the marathon, half marathon or 10K?

The Air Force Marathon is introducing a new "Beat the Gate" campaign for 2010. All full Marathon runners must be at or have passed the gate at Mile 21 by 12:48 pm. Runners must maintain a 16:00 pace to reach this point in 5 hours and 33 minutes. Busses will be provided at this time to transport those who did not "beat the gate" back to the Start/Finish Line area. The entire full marathon course closes at 2:15 pm.

Half marathon participants have 6 hours and 10K participants must complete the race in 4 hours. If participants are not keeping pace during the race, they will be asked to leave the course and transported back to the finish line area.

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Is the USAF Marathon walker friendly?

All of our events including the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K are walker friendly.  We ask those of you who are going to be walking the Full marathon, Half marathon and 10K to please remember that you must finish by the course time limits (Full: 7 hours/Half: 6 hours/10K: 4 hours)

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Is the USAF Marathon a USA Track and Field certified course?

The Air Force Marathon is certified by the USA Track and Field Association with a certificate number of OH97034PR.

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Can I qualify for the Boston Marathon?

The Air Force Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying run. Qualifying times for the Boston Marathon can be viewed at http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/Qualifying.asp. Our office will submit all appropriate information to the Boston Marathon.

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I would like to participate in the USAF Marathon. Is permissive TDY authorized?

Permissive TDY is authorized for Air Force active duty members under AFI 36-3003 (26 Oct 09) Military Leave Program, Section F , Paragraph 12 , Table 7, Rule 30. Be sure to check with your supervisor.

In accordance with Joint Travel Regulations, DoD guidance and AF Instructions, civilians cannot be granted permissive TDY to participate in the United States Air Force Marathon. For more information please contact HQ AFMC/A1SXA at (937) 257-4803 or DSN 787-4803.

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Is Permissive TDY authorized for Air National Guard Members?

According to AFI 36-3003, for the permissive TDY rules to apply, the ANG or Reserve member must be on active duty status.  This must be approved by the Unit Commander.

(This publication addresses leave, passes, and permissive temporary duty (PTDY) for military members. It applies to active duty personnel, including United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR) on active duty.  It also applies to Air National Guard (ANG) members serving on active duty in Guard or Reserve status under the provisions of Titles 10 or 32 United States Code (U.S.C.) for 30 or more consecutive days.  It implements Air Force Policy Directive 36-30, Military Entitlements, and DoD Directive 1327.5, Leave and Liberty, September 24, 1985, with changes 1-4).

See Also: For more information visit Active Duty

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Can you tell me more about the new MAJCOM USAF Marathon/Half Marathon Challenge?

A prestigious traveling trophy will be presented to the winning MAJCOM commander at Fall CORONA. The trophy will be awarded based on a point system that factors in both participation and performance in the full and half marathon events. This friendly challenge will serve as an incentive for each MAJCOM to encourage participation in the Air Force’s own nationally-recognized fitness event. Permissive TDY for military can be authorized by your supervisor.

See Also: For more information visit Active Duty

Download: Participation and Funding Guidance [doc]

Download: MAJCOM Challenge Scoring for 2009 [doc]

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Who receives a finisher's medal?

Every individual who crosses the finish line within the time limit will receive a finisher's medallion, including participants in the marathon, half marathon, and 10K runners. 5K runners who finish will receive a medallion on Sep. 17, 2009 at the Ervin J. Nutter Center.

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Do you accept credit cards for payment?

Yes, when you register online for better value, credit cards are accepted for all races.

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Will there be energy gels available at Hydration Stations?

Hammer Gel will be available to full and half marathoners along the route. The flavors will be Raspberry and regular Vanilla.

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What brand and flavor of electrolytes will be available on the course?

In addition to water, Gatorade will be available on the course at most of the hydration stations.  The flavor is lemon lime.

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