World-class runners to compete in Air Force Marathon

  • Published
  • By James Baker
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  Two running legends will return for the 10th annual U.S. Air Force Marathon.

Marathon champions Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar will once again have a full itinerary as they arrive the day before the big event.

Rodgers will sign autographs and greet marathon participants from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16. He also will conduct a clinic for runners from 4:30 to 4:45 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Nutter Center. He will end his long day by attending the 6 p.m. gourmet pasta dinner.

"I am glad to be coming back to Wright-Patterson for this unique marathon," said Rodgers.

They will both be a big part of the Sept. 16 race day festivities. The two are planning to partake in the relay run. At the post-race ceremony, they will have their pictures taken with the award winners.

Salazar will also sign autographs and conduct a clinic from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Nutter Center before once again signing more autographs from 4 to 5 p.m. and arriving for the 6 p.m. dinner.

The dynamic duo and former adversaries on the pavement have a list of running credentials that are unparalleled.

Rodgers was ranked the top marathon runner in the world for several years in the 1970s. He won the Boston Marathon in 1975 and 1978 through 1980 and the New York Marathon from 1976 to 1979, as well as running for the U.S. Olympic team in 1976.

Now a masters competitor, Rodgers continues to race and train at a high level.

The owner of several masters records, the 58-year-old often places in his age group. He is a member of the National Track and Field Hall of Fame and the National Distance Running Hall of Fame.

"To be a consistent winner means preparing not just one day, one month or even one year, but for a lifetime," said Rodgers.

Salazar set six American records, one world record and won three consecutive New York Marathons throughout his career. His victory in 1981 broke a 12-year-old marathon record with a time of 2:08.13, an average pace of almost 13 miles an hour.

The Oregon resident also won one of the most memorable finishes in the storied history of the Boston Marathon, outlasting Dick Beardsley down the final stretch.

Salazar and Rodgers continue to give back to the sport that gave them notoriety by conducting running clinics for children and young adults throughout the country.

Rodgers had advice for those competing in this year's event.

"Ease into the marathon and race according to your level of training," said Rodgers. "You should distribute your energy throughout the race and be careful not to burn yourself out too quickly."

The opening ceremonies for the marathon will begin at 7 a.m. near the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The 7:30 a.m. wheelchair race will kick off the marathon with the regular 26.2 run to follow at 7:35.

The relay will begin at 8 a.m. with the half-marathon set to begin at 8:15 a.m., the 5K at high noon and awards ceremony at 1 p.m.