AF Marathon offers new race options Published July 15, 2003 By Patrick Reilly Air Force Marathon Office WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) -- Air Force Marathon officials will add two new options to this year’s Sept. 20 race. Besides the full-marathon and marathon-team races, this year’s event features a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 5km (3.1 mile) race. The half-marathon race will be on a loop-back course that will share the start and finish lines with the full marathon. Half-marathon and marathon relay participants will race alongside one another until the turnaround point, then the half-marathoners head back toward the finish line located near the Air Force Museum, officials said. The half-marathon is geared toward those who have some road-racing experience or those who have been conditioning for shorter races and want a new challenge, officials said.The marathon and half-marathon courses will feature aid stations at every mile mark. Stations will provide water, electrolyte replenishment, fruit, water-soaked sponges and first aid. "Because the full and half-marathons are on the same course, the half-marathon racers will be able to use many of the same aid stations and enjoy the same festive atmosphere that the full marathoners do," said Cheryl Blom, Air Force Marathon volunteer coordinator. "The 5km (race) is going to generate a lot of interest with runners who don't necessarily want to run the full 26.2-mile or 13.1-mile courses," said Bob Brodess, Air Force Marathon director. "We're affectionately calling it our 'fun run.' " Though the 5km participants will not receive a medal, their entry fee will get them a runner packet almost identical to the full- and half-marathoners, and relay team members. The packet includes an official Air Force Marathon T-shirt, patch and several coupons to local restaurants and businesses. The shorter course will be separate from the marathon races, but will still share the start and finish line with the other races. The exact path has not yet been determined, but final approval for the course is expected within the month. After its approval, a course description will be posted on the marathon's Web site. Leading up to the marathon, an exposition is scheduled for Sept. 18 to 20. Participants will pick up their race packets at the public sports and fitness exposition. The packets will include their timing chip, race T-shirts, numbered bibs, race patch and informational materials. The expo will feature vendor booths that showcase running and fitness-related items and services.The marathon staff has already received dozens of applications for this year’s events and will continue taking applications until Sept. 4.The entry fee is $50 for the marathon, $35 for the half-marathon and $15 for the 5km fun run. The marathon relay team fee is $180.There are still plenty of spots available for the full marathon, half marathon and 5km races, but marathon relay team openings are limited. Participants can also pay an additional $10 for a ticket to the pasta dinner Sept. 19. For more information, contact the marathon office at DSN 787-4350, commercial (937) 257-4350, toll free (800) 467-1823 or on the Web site at http://afmarathon.wpafb.af.mil.