I'm used to the USAF being top-notch, but this was even better than I expected. There was more frequent water, Gatorade, portalets and other aid than I could possibly have needed. The volunteers were exceptional. The course was most pleasant. The Air Force had their top brass out there giving out the gorgeous metals. Organization was impressive, from signing in all the way through recovery. Running through the two rows of airplanes on the finish line was exciting. The fly-overs were exhilarating. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the Museum (it's free!) while I was running. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this, my first marathon, a very special day for me.

The best thing is the medal, the T-shirt isn't bad either, and the expo is small, but I found great deals on running tights. The course has a hill from mile 1 to 2 but it isn't too bad. The nice thing about the course is that there's absolutely NO traffic! The scenery isn't great, but for the first 14 miles it was fogged in, which I enjoyed. There are no spectators, which I think is great (and why I gave 4 stars). Don't you hate it when all the spectators crowd you into a narrow corridor?

The support was good but not as good as Chicago as one responder said. A couple more water/Gatorade stops would be good - especially at the end. They were not every mile and only half had both water and Gatorade. Still there was only 1,275 runners in the marathon, so it was enough to keep up with people, but not so crowded that you can't get your stride going. The only negative is parking. There is plenty, but they funnel you in single file through two gates. Traffic was at a standstill. It took 25 minutes to go less than a mile to park. I almost thought I was going to have to jump out of the car and catch the start. Luckily parking and the start line are only 300 feet apart. Nice grab bag of bagel, fruit, etc at the end. Do it for the medal if nothing else. One of my favorite runs and I have run over 20 marathons

Now that the blisters have subsided somewhat, I want to add my comments about the great organization of this race. I think everyone involved did everything that could be done, from the expo to the finish area. The course is a bit tough, but to me they all are! The medals are great. I do wish they could do a bit more with the website and keeping it up to date. If you go, get there really early! Thanks to everyone involved, it was an unforgettable experience.

The volunteers were fantastic and stations plentiful. There is a climb near the end (same hill going out near the start), but overall this is a relatively flat course. Most of the spectators were near the finish, but I expected that at a military facility. The finish is a 'pick me up', as you run between aircraft lining both sides. The finisher's medal is the best. No complaints... well done!

I've been trying to get to this race for the past 4 years. Finally made it. Course was closed with hills at the very beginning and very end (same hills, different direction). Outbound was no problem as the incline was more spaced out and all were very fresh. Inbound was more steep but shorter duration. Steepest part (inbound) was preceded by 2-3 rollers just prior. The rest is fairly flat. More aid stations than I have ever seen passing out gels, fruit, etc. Lieutenant General presenting medals at the finish. Slapped my sweaty back!! Nice touch. At the Navy Marathon, only had a Commander at the finish. Go AF. Only can think of positive comments (huge medal, good expo, great after party at the hope hotel, great historic course, outstanding aid stations). Only possible word of advice is to leave especially early for the start, as there is only one gate in and traffic can be a bit slow.

I hope to be back again next year to take part in this great marathon! Thanks to Bob Brodus and the race staff and the men and women of WPAFB for making this a memorable marathon!!!

This was a very good marathon, incredibly organized. The hills going out weren't bad, but coming back in, well, it made it a challenge. The water stops were the best I've seen, with very enthusiastic volunteers at everyone of them. Plus, I liked the blue and white tents that marked where they were; it made them easy to spot in the distance. If you need the crowds to pull you through, this may not be the race for you. Outside of the water stops, there're not many people out there. And I hit some gaps in the race, where I was running by myself.

I would only suggest 2 things to improve the race:

#1 The traffic prior to the race outside the gates was bad; add more signs to both gates to speed the vehicle traffic along to the parking areas.

#2 Put a clock at the 25-mile mark, so that runners (like me) who don't wear watches have a clue as to their times at the end of the race.

Other than that, this is a great race, and I recommend it to everyone.

This is my (4th) marathon, yes (46) to go, and overall my favorite so far. First the plusses - Reasonable entry fee & nice expo. Frequent, friendly, well stocked and 'stayed to the end' water/Gatorade stops. Except for the very start and finish, a very flat course. A superb medal with elaborate engravings on both sides (sorry, but I am materialistic), and a receiving line at the finish of (4) generals/corporals who personally hand you the medal. Nice touch, particularly considering that I finished 6 hours plus. Also, being in the fall, the weather was perfect (50) degrees at the start. It was fantastic to have a pair of F-15's taking off about every (45) minutes, particularly during the time you were right next to the runway. Much of the course was shaded and was on scenic green walkways.
The few minuses - Started (10) minutes late due to snarled traffic, and the few hills have grades(slanted) to them which can definitely help you blister. Also, few spectators as the course is basically on the base.
The plusses far outnumbered the minuses and I also, like previous comments, strongly recommend touring the AF Museum. (3) full hangars of our nations history, and it's free!
All in all a great day.

This course was fantastic. The hills were very small and not a problem. The abundant water stops were staffed with very enthusiastic and helpful people. The weather was perfect. Parking at the start/finish was close and easy. The Air Force Museum was a very interesting place to visit and a great place for the start/finish. Every person I came into contact with in Dayton, whether associated with the race or not, was polite, courteous, and friendly. Really a fantastic experience all around.

Early morning 7:05 start... runners and walkers invited 8-hour limit... 5K... half-whole and relay marathon. Super organization. Because of security, spectators not allowed on back of course. Aid stations and waters stops filled with fun, helpful volunteers - some stops even had themes i.e. Harry Potter at mile 13... great. Slight hills in beginning and end of marathon. Downhill last mile into runway lined with airplanes just fantastic. Presentation of medals by uniformed personal... very warm, touching experience. Free post-party at 4 pm - perfect. My 23rd marathon - Air Force Museum perfect way to spend the day. Great race,.. medals beautiful... yes I did come in third in my age group: Senior Female 60+, and received watch and replica of Wright Brother's plane as trophy.

I loved this marathon! Course was very tough the first and last 5 miles, with more hills than I expected, but I still bettered my previous marathon time by 29 minutes! Organization was fantastic, plenty of aid stations, great support from volunteers and fans. I couldn't have asked for better weather. The aid stations had themes, music and lots of wonderful volunteers.

Thank you to all of the volunteers!

Traffic jam to get onto the base was bad; I tried to show up by 6 AM, but still didn't make it for the official start at 7:05. Waited in traffic over an hour. Open extra gate EARLIER next time...