Air Force, academia to partner in Air Force Marathon

  • Published
  • By Kathleen A.K. Lopez
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  Leaders from the Air Force and Wright State University gathered at a press conference here June 13 to discuss their new Air Force Marathon partnership and other details of the September race.

Standing on the flight line of the 445th Airlift Wing in front of a massive C-5 Galaxy -- the featured aircraft of the 11th annual race -- Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, vice commander of Air Force Materiel Command, and Molly Louden, director of the Air Force Marathon, were accompanied by David R. Hopkins, president of Wright State University, as they spoke to nearly two dozen media.

One of the most obvious changes to the marathon is the date and location of the five-kilometer race. Historically, it has been run on the day of the marathon, in conjunction with the full- and half-marathon, wheelchair and relay races.

This year, it will take place on the evening of Sept. 14, General Gabreski said. She explained how the course will take runners through the campus of Wright State, namesake of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the founding fathers of modern-day flight.

"The race will conclude with Air Force and university senior leaders presenting medals to everyone who crosses the finish line," she said. "It's going to be a wonderful event."

Dr. Hopkins, who holds a doctorate in kinesiology, said. "I want to say how pleased we are to be partners with the Air Force and Wright-Patt in this venture.

"At Wright State, we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of our birth," he said. "It's so much fun to think that we will join the Air Force in celebrating its 60th anniversary in September.

"We're proud of the partnership we've had with Wright-Patt over the years, where we've shared talent and expertise in education, research and health care, and all the different ways we serve our community," he continued. "So, we're really excited this year to add the five-kilometer race."

A significant change marathoners will experience this year is an altered race route.

"The course was recertified, but the race is still a Boston Marathon qualifier," Ms. Louden said. "By making parts of the route go through the neighboring city of Fairborn, family members and other spectators will be able to cheer on runners at the ninth and 10th miles. Wright State will host spectator areas at miles five and 21."

The Air Force Marathon, which is open to the public, is like no other. The race begins and ends at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the largest aviation museum in the world. 

Throughout the race, Air Force fighter, bomber and cargo aircraft will fly continuously, offering inspiration to runners. Aircraft are scheduled to fly during the five-kilometer race, as well. 

The marathon course will take runners over the very grounds where the Wright brothers flew the Wright B Flyer, and there will be themed hydration stations nearly every mile of the race. As runners cross the finish line, they will be presented medals by senior Air Force leaders.

The goal of this official 60th Anniversary event is to double participation from last year's race to 10,000 runners, regardless of racing category, Ms. Louden said. Participating means becoming a part of Air Force history.

Log onto www.usafmarathon.com to learn more about the Air Force Marathon races, the sports and fitness expo, the gourmet pasta dinner, and special guests, runners Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley, and legendary coach Bill Squires. 

(Courtesy Air Force Materiel Command News Service)

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