I have run this marathon twice (2002, 2004) and have gotten my two fastest times out of 8 marathons on this course. Yes, there are some tough hills and a long stretch without many spectators around the flight line, but the support at the numerous water stops help to make the race go by quickly. The one negative I found was the timing of the race. If you qualify for Boston during the race, it is only good for the next year's Boston Marathon. If it was held a week later, the qualification would be valid for the following year as well. I do understand that the timing of the race coincides with the AF birthday.

The organization for this race continues to be topnotch. The parking problems of past years are gone; there was no problem at all this year. Only negative I had was that a 5K race started at 10:00 a.m., and their course was the same as ours for the last 1/2 mile. This is petty, but I didn't like running through the chute with these 5K runners. Kind of cheapened the ending for me.

The Air Force has the best medal ever! The support on the course was great!

The only reason that I rated spectators a 3 is because there were not that many of them (as we were on the base most of the time). I plan on doing it again so I can have a complete collection of medals.

Despite some other comments here, I would definitely recommend this course for a first-time marathoner. Yes there are hills, but they aren't overly steep, and if you know about them during your training then you'll prepare with some hill running. Anyway, I had a great time, thought the race was very well organized. Had no problems at all getting into and away from the base. Aid stations every .75 mile or so, with great enthusiasm. Highly recommended!

I'm a fifty-stater and chose this marathon to complete Ohio. The USAF Marathon was a great choice and I would highly recommend it to others.

I found the directions to the packet pick-up clear and exact, with the friendly/helpful volunteers staying well past the closing time to the delight of those of us travelling hours to reach Dayton on Friday afternoon/evening.

My hotel stay (at the Courtyard Marriott) was very nice and convenient to both the packet pick-up and marathon start. The nearby restaurants were superb.

Directions to race start were also clear and concise, but I was a bit confused as to where to enter air base in the dark. USAF personnel were on the ball and very helpful.

The race start-arena was crowded with various races participants, but volunteers kept us lined up appropriately for various races and the race start was perfectly on time (7:05, not 7:00 or 7:15, but 7:05!!).

The race course had more than enough aid stations staffed by energetic/helpful volunteers. Also, there were plenty of port-a-potties along course. The course sported a few hills, but nothing that wasn't forementioned on the marathon website. Certain portions of the race were twisting and turning; other sections were long straight-aways. Many sections were open with no trees, one nice section was along a paved bike path with overhanging trees. This was a very nice course. One writer commented that the course was short according to their GPS unit. My Garmin indicated that I ran 26.49 miles, start to finish; I think that this is reasonable for a 26.2 mile course measured corner to corner along straight lines.

The finish chute was nice, lined with airplanes and LOTS of spectators. Great finisher's medal handed out by USAF officers (I was too tired to realize if they were generals); the souvenir towel was a nice touch. I enjoyed going back to the finish line area and cheering for other finishers.

Post race food and drink were available and sufficient. I really appreciated the van ride to the showers; that really made my 6 hour drive back home much more enjoyable.

The race photographers provided great pictures, including several race course and finish line photos.

A special thanks to all the volunteers and the race staff. Without these people marathon running would 'really be tough'.

This is a great marathon that is organized, well run, and serviced by a useful website. I would highly recommend this race to others.

This year I ran the 1/2 marathon. The organizers had all marathon runners and walkers start first, the relay runners and walkers started second and then they sent out the 1/2 marathoners. One mile into the course, the 1/2 marathon lead runners started running into the walkers and joggers. We had to weave around people for the next several miles. The water spots were a piece of work because of the joggers and walker. It was so congested at the point where the 1/2 marathoners were supposed to turn off of the marathon course and on to the 1/2 marathon course that the lead 1/2 marathoners missed their turn. The turn was not well marked, the lead bikers didn't keep the lead runner in view and as a result of these things, runners who were trying to be competivite in the 1/2 were disqualified. I wouldn't consider running the 1/2 again unless there are some changes in how the organizers approach these issues.

This was my 20th marathon and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would rate it among my top 3 favorites. The Air Force did an outstanding job of organizing the race and providing runner support. There were water stops every mile with enthusiastic volunteers. While base security prevented spectators from lining the course, those that were present were enthusiastic. The scenery was fascinating - air planes, natural prairie, and polite uniformed personnel at all the gates. The hills were not that bad at all. It didn't slow down the 9 women in my 50-59 age group that qualified for Boston. I particularly enjoyed the pasta dinner in the Air Force Museum. Absolutely sign up for that. We also had a fly over by a Night Hawk at the finish line. A general handed me a finisher's medal and shook my hand. What else do you need in a great marathon?

Yes I will be back. Only one negative! Drop off for baggage no one seemed to know where it was or what time it would open. Bags at the end of marathon where not secured. Water stations great. 1st aid was first-rate. Support superior. Hills challenging. The finish line superlative. Medals attractive. Generals giving out medal the best. Great job done by all. The web site is excellent.

I should have picked a flatter or downhill marathon for my first marathon. Hills at marathons do not 'come with the territory.' These hills are at the start and again towards the end. The Steamtown marathon has a 900' drop from start to finish. The numerous aid stations had great spirit, except for the station by the scout camp. The boys were playing football in the street. Plenty of porta-jons on course. Not many spectators though. The finisher's medal was impressive (thanks, General!). The F-117 flyover was cool as well. This race is only 8 years-old, it's well on it's way to being a great one. Stop by the AF Museum, very large, very well done, free parking & admission.

This was my first marathon and what a great experience! The aid stations were above and beyond and the course was varied and interesting. I beat my goal time by 4 min and even received an age group award. The medal and plaque were awesome and I especially enjoyed the Nighthawk flying low over the base. The only problem I had was that my parents drove 7hrs to see me run and were only able to see me at the beginning and end. More spectators would have been nice.