Registration figures up for 2008 Air Force Marathon Published Aug. 18, 2008 By Chris McGee 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) -- Registration figures for the 2008 Air Force Marathon continue to outpace the numbers from this time last year and remain on track to break 2007's overall record of more than 6,700 runners. As of Aug. 4, the total number of runners registered for the 12th annual event stood at 4,550, which compared to 3,305 from the same time last year, is a 38 percent increase. At that rate, the marathon -- scheduled for Sept. 20 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base -- is on a trajectory to exceed 9,000 runners. Marathon officials are setting their ambitions even higher than that. "We are extremely pleased with the numbers rolling in, but we still want to hit the 10,000 mark in 2008," said Molly Louden, the marathon director. Registration numbers indicate high interest in the full and half marathon. The latest figures show 1,663 runners registered for the full marathon, compared to 1,278 the same time last year. Meanwhile, the half marathon has received 1,804 registrants, compared to 1,294 this time a year ago. A major change from last year's marathon is the phase-out of the four-person relay teams and the introduction of a 10K event. Runners registering for the 10K can do so as individuals or can run as part of a four-person team. Each 10K team member will start the race at the same time and will end at the same location. By including a four-person 10K team option in place of the marathon four-person relay, marathon officials sought to eliminate challenges such as team members having to wait for buses or searching for teammates along the marathon course. The marathon, half marathon and 10K events on Sept. 20 will be limited to 10,000 runners. For the second straight year, the marathon's 5K event will take place Sept. 19 at nearby Wright State University. This event is limited to 2,000 runners. The marathon offers options for runners of all levels, and those registering before Aug. 15 will receive a special bonus, Ms. Louden said. "The event has a distance for everyone to participate in, from 3.1 miles to 26.2, so go online and register today," Ms. Louden said. "As an added feature, runners registering before Aug. 15 will have their first name placed on their bib so spectators along the route in all the races can encourage the runner by name to keep going." For more information or to register for the marathon, visit www.usafmarathon.com. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page