The United States Air Force Marathon is a mostly flat loop course through Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
The course does have two sections of hills. The first section is at the start and the other section is near the end of the race at approximately mile 21 to mile 25. The rest of the course is very flat.
How does the United States Air Force Marathon Rank?
The United States Air Force Marathon was the 64th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 66th largest in 2022.
This year 1.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 4.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the United States Air Force Marathon the 348th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 361st highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.91 ranks it as the 214th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th fastest course in Ohio.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the United States Air Force Marathon a PR Score of 97.58. This PR Score ranks it as the 298th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 9th fastest in Ohio.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
United States Air Force Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 930 feet (283m) Min Elevation: 785 feet (239m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the United States Air Force Marathon
View available accomodations around the United States Air Force Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the United States Air Force Marathon in 4:52:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
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David's review of 2024 United States Air Force Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
Review
The course is boring with the exception of the Fairborn Fly Zone. The aid stations are well supported and the volunteers were exceptional. There are plenty of aid and medical stations which are needed because this race is HOT. I understand the events of this weekend have to correspond with the Air Force birthday, but mid-September is not anywhere close to ideal (90º+ temps at the finish for most runners). I've never seen so many people from a lead corral walk. I even saw a pacer that failed to finish anywhere close to their assigned time. The race start of 7:30 is simply too late. The race directors encourage getting there extra early because of security measures and traffic, so you end up waiting 3-4 hours for a relatively small race. It's really unnecessary but they insist on doing the 10k first at 6:30 as part of the "Fly Fight Win" challenge – why they don't do the 5k and 10k together on Friday is beyond me. A 6:30 marathon start would improve this race experience tenfold. On another note, the F-35 flyovers were really cool. For what it's worth, if it weren't for the Armed Forces Series Challenge, I would not do this marathon.
Race Tips
Depending on the weather forecast, a slightly more conservative pacing strategy may be best. Wear sunscreen as there is not much shade. Race day will involve a ton of waiting. Bring something to entertain yourself. The number of portajohns seemed appropriate but the lines got pretty long about an hour before race start. Go early if you can!
I stayed in Vandalia around a bunch of walkable restaurants and a Walmart. I didn't bother with trying to park on base and then walking a mile to the start (never mind having to walk all the way back in 90 degree heat afterwards). Instead, I just rode the shuttle from the Nutter Center and glad I did. Super easy and alleviates some of the race day stress.
KLB's review of 2022 United States Air Force Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I liked the hills, varying terrain, and part of the run on base. It was an Honor to have an officer hang the medal over my head and congratulating the accomplishment. Meeting military personnel on the training journey is priceless. Thankful for the eleven years in a row I participated.
Race Tips
Salt tablets for a hot race day. Find a running team for training is priceless.
KL's review of 2019 United States Air Force Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
The staff and volunteers were very helpful and accommodating. However, because it falls in september you run the risk of an Indian summer. I trained with most of my summer runs falling in the high 60s/low 70s. This race was 80* two hours in. There was little to no shade, many miles With zero human interaction and two huge hills between miles 21-25.
Race Tips
If you're an experienced marathon runner you should be able to take all of the above in stride. This was my 3rd marathon and I think I learned that September is just too dicey when it comes to heat to spend months of training for conditions out of your control.
Not enough portable toilets - get to race early to get in line.
G's review of 2019 United States Air Force Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
You would expect the military to be well organized and the Air Force delivers in that area. Generous on course support, and the air base is a unique setting for this race. The weather was bad, with a 40 minute delay for lightning and a hot muggy day on the course - it was yellow flag conditions for the whole race. While the course is mostly not hilly, it isn't pancake flat either, and the hills that are on the course hit you at the end when you are digging deep already. Visit the the museum, the exhibits are awesome and you can see all that for free as part of the dinner. This was only my third marathon, but despite the heat and the weather, I still made a PR and qualified for Boston, so all in all a good day.
I bought a VIP parking pass and was glad I did, quicker into the lot and a much shorter walk to the car after the race.
DB's review of 2017 United States Air Force Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Excellent organization, polite and impressive military presence, great volunteers, challenging and well-marked course(s), easy parking and logistics. Very cool fly-overs by various AF aircraft - different each year!
Race Tips
Expect a great race environment, as proven by the consistent popularity of this event (all distances). The USAF is very experienced at putting this race and it shows. Not an easy course - rolling, climbs, and false flats abound. Pace yourself conservatively as climbs in beginning AND end will be challenging. Weather can also be a factor, heat and humidity are generally felt, especially as the race progresses.
Plenty of lodging options near-by, but reserve early. Bring BAGGIES to protect running shoes from getting wet from the short walk from grass field parking area to pavement approach to start area. Also allow time for security check, etc.
