Blogs
2025 Air Force Marathon Ambassadors Sid Busch Sid has completed an astounding 206 marathons, along with a remarkable number of half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks. Since 2001, he has dedicated every race to a member of the military who gave their life in defense of our freedom. After each event, Sid gifts his medal, bib,
Refunds All race registrations and product purchases are non-refundable, even in the event of race cancellation*. The only exception is for official military deployment (CED orders). Refunds WILL NOT be given for TDY or PCS orders. If you are deployed during the race, you may send a copy of your CED orders to usaf.marathon@us.af.mil to receive



Gourmet Pasta Dinner Friday, September 18th, 2026 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Open to the public! Formal Program begins at 6:00 p.m. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Looking for a place to have dinner on Friday night before your big race? Bring your family and friends and have the chance to meet fellow runners at
Health & Fitness Expo Details The Air Force Marathon Health & Fitness Expo hosts more than 100 exhibitors featuring the latest developments in health, fitness, and nutrition. In addition, the expo is the home of bib pick-up for all participants and will offer yoga and a mobility clinic. Held at the Wright State University Nutter



Chris Meister Director Chris Meister is the Race Director for the Air Force Marathon. He is passionate about our events and helping to make the experience special for every participant! Chris graduated from Ohio University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. In May 2020, Chris earned his Master’s of Sports Management Administration
PRESENTING SPONSOR PRESENTING IN KIND SPONSOR THREE STAR SPONSORS TWO STAR SPONSOR ONE STAR SPONSORS AUTOMOTIVE SPONSOR SQUADRON SPONSORS FLIGHT CREW SPONSORS No Federal Endorsement of Sponsors Intended
The Air Force Marathon is proud to continue the History & Heritage Race Series in 2025! While the Air Force Marathon, held annually the third Saturday in September, always features active aircraft, the History & Heritage Race Series features retired aircraft in order to begin to highlight all of the great aircraft that have
















Saturday Events We welcome spectators to cheer on their family and friends at the Start and Finish Line at the Saturday events. Ample parking will be available for free at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, where the marathon, half marathon, and 10K race courses begin and end. The museum gate off Springfield



Gift Registrations Current runners have donated race registrations for our Junior enlisted service members. If you are currently active duty, reserve, or guard and your rank is E-1 to E-6 you can receive one of these donated entries. This registration is good for the following in person events for the current year. Military Full Marathon,
















The Air Force Marathon is always scheduled to take place the third Saturday in September in commemoration of the anniversary of the United States Air Force. The marathon welcomes all branches of the military and any civilians to take part in this historic event. Active Duty, reservists, veterans, guard members, retirees, and ROTC cadets may
2025 Course Maps & Descriptions Marathon (26.2) 2025 Full Marathon Course Map Beginning at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the course heads up one of only two solid hills right from the start before dropping down into Historic Huffman Flying Field in the third mile. From there, you can expect a



5K Event Details All registered marathon athletes will receive a race shirt, virtual goodie bag, and a complimentary commemorative patch. 5K Course Map & Description Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Wright State University Nutter Center 5K Course Map Taking place on the beautiful campus
10K Event Details All registered marathon athletes will receive a race shirt, virtual goodie bag, and a complimentary commemorative patch. Athletes who are 21 years old or older will also receive a voucher for a complimentary beer at the finish line. 10K Course Map & Description Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 7:15 a.m. National Museum
Marathon 3-Person Relay Details All registered relay athletes will receive a race shirt, virtual goodie bag, and a complimentary commemorative patch. Athletes who are 21 years old or older will also receive a voucher for a complimentary beer at the finish line. All relay finishers will receive a medal, and finish line refreshments. Course Map



Half Marathon Event Details All registered marathon athletes will receive a race shirt, virtual goodie bag, and a complimentary commemorative patch. Athletes who are 21 years old or older will also receive a voucher for a complimentary beer at the finish line. Half Marathon Course Map & Description Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.



Marathon Event Details All registered marathon athletes will receive a race shirt, virtual goodie bag, and a complimentary commemorative patch. Athletes who are 21 years old or older will also receive a voucher for a complimentary beer at the finish line if 21 and older All marathon finishers will receive a finisher medal and finish





Directions & Parking (Thursday & Friday events) Parking is free and available to registered participants, family members, friends, and spectators at Wright State University Nutter Center for Thursday and Friday events including two-day Health & Fitness Expo, 5K, and Tailwind Trot 1K Kids’ Run. Nutter Center parking Lots 1 and 2. Please note that Lots



2026 Schedule of Events Thursday, September 17th, 2026 Health & Fitness Expo/Packet Pick-Up: 3:00-7:00 p.m. | Free & open to the public! Wright State University Nutter Center 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway Dayton, OH 45435 Friday, September 18th, 2026 Health & Fitness Expo/Packet Pick-Up: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Free & open to the public!



















As of 2023, after much thought and consideration, the Air Force Services Center has done a complete overhaul of the Air & Space Challenge. This challenge will now be called the Stratosphere Challenge and will be a competition amongst teams of Air Force and Space Force service members (active duty, reserve, or guard). Each half




AIR FORCE MARATHON Come and be a part of history! The Air Force Marathon is an annual endurance event held the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. First held in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Air Force, the Air Force Marathon has grown





General Questions Registration Questions Course Questions Military Questions Volunteer Questions Don’t see your questions here? Contact us at usaf.marathon@us.af.mil or 937-257-4350 to learn more! Related Pages: Directions, Parking & Shuttle Race Rules & Safety Volunteers Health & Fitness Expo
30TH ANNUAL AIR FORCE MARATHON Marathon Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. National Museum of the United States Air Force More info: Marathon Half Marathon Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 7:15 a.m. National Museum of the United States Air Force More info: Half Marathon 10K Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.




















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. 2026 marks the 30th running and is set for September 19th, 2026. To commemorate our rich history in flight, each year



Tailwind Trot Event Details All registered athletes will receive an untimed race bib, race shirt, virtual goodie bag, and a complimentary commemorative patch. All Tailwind Trot finishers will receive a dog tag and finish line refreshments. Course Map Friday, September 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Wright State University Nutter Center PDF Download of 1K Course
















2026 Air Force Marathon Event Pricing
Virtual Race Information The Air Force Marathon will continue to offer the virtual race option so athletes from all over the world may continue to participate in the annual celebration of the founding of the U.S. Air Force right from their home. This option is open to everyone for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and
















Air Force Marathon Pacing Do you want to reach the finish line in a specific amount of time or want to run a set pace per mile? If so, pace teams are just for you! Joining a pace team is open to all runners and is free. A pace team is led by a person
















The Air Force Marathon recognizes that every choice we make comes with an opportunity to benefit our community and make an impact to those around us. The Air Force Marathon is an inclusive event and welcomes athletes who may have a permanent visual, hearing, physical, or intellectual impairment or disability that affects their ability to
Take your Air Force Marathon experience to the next level with an Air Force Marathon in training shirt, limited edition challenge coin, patch, customizable medal engraving, & more! The 2026 store products are available for purchase through the registration page. Related Pages: 2023 Events Gourmet Pasta Dinner Health & Fitness Expo
















Virtual Race Bag: The virtual race bag is the perfect opportunity for your business or organization to submit a digital advertisement, special offer, or message to thousands of Air Force Marathon participants. It will go out to all registered participants as well as our entire email distribution list and social media platforms in September.
















The Air Force Marathon corporate running program is a great way to promote wellness, increase morale, and encourage stronger relationships for your employees! Employees create their own running goals and choose to participate in any of our race distances – 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, Aim High Challenge, or a virtual event. Your company



Deployed Location Race Information 2026 will mark the 18th year that the United States Air Force has sanctioned Deployed Location races overseas. These races offer our deployed military members the chance to share the experience and camaraderie associated with this world-class event. The 2026 Deployed Host Units are listed below. Contact your deployed Fitness Center
Armed Forces Series Challenge Aim high and display your grit by #runningwiththetroops! Complete the Armed Forces Series Challenge and earn a coveted series medal. Are you ready to be all you can be? Complete each of the following tasks and become one of the few, the proud, the mighty: Coast Guard Marathon on April 12,
















Become a Sponsor Today! The Air Force Marathon is scheduled to always take place the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. A two-day Health & Fitness Expo, Gourmet Pasta Dinner, 5K race, and Tailwind Trot 1K is scheduled to be held at Wright State University Nutter Center the Thursday
















Tailwind’s Ace Crew (TAC) The official Air Force Marathon Ambassador Program Requirements: Post about AFM events throughout the year at a minimum of 4 posts a month. e.g. Strava, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Repost content shared by the Air Force Marathon to boost engagement. Interact with others on social media, answering questions and inquiries regarding
















Related Pages: History of the Air Force Marathon Record Holders 2025- 29th Annual Air Force Marathon The 2025 Air Force Marathon was held September 20th, 2025 and featured the KC-135 Stratotanker. 2025 Results Photos by 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Photos by MarathonFoto – September 20, 2025 2024- 28th Annual Air Force Marathon The
Mobile App The 2022 Air Force Marathon mobile app features real time race tracking and results, interactive course maps, social media integration, and all the information you need to know. Download this app in the App Store or Google Play today for the best race weekend experience!
NEW WEBSITE NOW LIVE HERE!
















Hotels Hotel Information for the General Public: Greene Country Hotel Info Lodging Information on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base: Base lodging is only available to Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and retired military members; civilian Department of Defense employees; and qualified dependents of the aforementioned. On-base lodging is extremely limited; however, lodging staff will assist eligible runners



There are many ways to get involved with the Air Force Marathon. Whether you are looking to volunteer, partner through our sponsorship or charity program, be a vendor at our Health & Fitness Expo, or join us along the course as a spectator we have just the spot for you! Volunteer We rely on the
Blue Streak Time Trial Results & Photos 2021 – 23rd Annual Blue Streak Time Trial April 13, 2021: Overall Results | Category/Age Group Results | Finish Line Photos | Course Photos May 11, 2021: Overall Results | Category/Age Group Results | Finish Line Photos | Course Photos June 8, 2021: Overall Results | Category/Age Group Results | Course Photos July 13, 2021: Overall Results | Category/Age Group Results | Course Photos August 10, 2021: Overall Results | Category/Age Group Results | Course Photos September
Related Pages: Cancellation FAQs Virtual Experience Virtual Event Details Featured Aircraft



Put in some extra miles this September with the 2021 Air Force Marathon Fly! Fight! Win! Virtual Challenge Series event where you race the 5K, 10K, and half marathon or marathon! Each registrant will earn a commemorative patch (if selected), three official finisher’s medals, the official Challenge Series long sleeve shirt, the special Challenge Series





Air Force Marathon The Air Force Marathon is an annual endurance event scheduled for the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. First held in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Air Force, the Air Force Marathon has grown into a 13,500 participant event with
United States Air Force The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace. National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA) Home of the Wright brothers and long known as the Birthplace of Aviation, the Dayton region now enjoys a new accolade: In November 2004, Congress recognized
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We want to hear your story and see your photos! Whether you are running or walking the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, Tailwind Trot, or Aim High Challenge Series we know you have a story and we want to hear it. Why do you run? When did you start running? What do you love about
Privacy NoticeThis privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for (www.usafmarathon.com). This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. It will notify you of the following: What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used and with whom it may be shared. What choices are available to you







