3/15/2012 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- If you're planning on running in the Air Force Marathon this September, time is running out to register. Not only does the price increase on April 2, there is a good chance the event will also be sold out by then.
"We traditionally experience a huge surge in registrations prior to a price increase," said Molly Louden, Marathon director. "At the pace the race is selling out this year, we fully expect the 10K will be closed out before the April 2 price increase. The other races will be very close to selling out as well. The entire event is already more than 50% full."
Prices for the full and half are currently $85 and $70, while the 10K and 5K are $40 and $25. All race prices except the 5K will rise by $5 on April 2. Another price increase is scheduled for June 2 if there are any spots remaining.
Marathon officials have added an additional 1,500 runners this year, but expect to sell out even faster than the 2011 event.
"We are bringing in Dean Karnazes to speak this year," said Ms. Louden, "and he is a huge draw in the running community."
Karnazes' achievements include running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days, running 350 continuous miles without sleep, and running 3,000 miles from California to New York in 2011. Time Magazine called him one of "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World."
All registered runners receive a T-shirt, hat, patch and goodie bag. Everyone who finishes a race also gets a medal that this year features the B-2 Spirit bomber. Medals are presented at the finish line by a senior Air Force officer. The race is held at the majestic National Museum of the United States Air Force, and runners are treated to military aircraft flyovers throughout the day.
The Air Force Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying event and the course goes past a number of historic landmarks including Huffman Prairie where the Wright Brothers perfected manned flight.
