I think its a little unfair to say a marathon has 'gone down hill'. I can't rate this against previous years since I'm a rookie marathoner, but I heard and read the same 'not as good as before'-type comments about other marathons recently, including Columbus, OH. Some races are being cancelled altogether (ie., Pittsburgh). It's probable that most race organizers would love their 1997 budget and priorities back. The economy will improve. Okay, sorry for the high-horse.

The 2003 USAF marathon was awesome. The aid stations were plentiful - almost 1 per mile. All had water/Gatorade, many others had gels and sponges, and a few others had bananas and orange slices. Except for early and late hills, the course was flat and was run completely on well-maintained asphalt roads. There weren't many spectators outside the aid stations and start/finish areas, but that was fine with me. There was a 'best aid station' contest, so all volunteers were helpful, friendly and enthusiastic. The finisher's medal is unbelievable. The organization was as precise as a military operation :). I found it to be a perfect first-time marathon setting. I plan on returning to run it again.

I wasn't sure what to expect from an Air Force base, but this ranks up there as one of the most enjoyable marathons I have run (out of 23). There were more empty port-a-johns than I have ever witnessed. The spectators were enthusiastic. Plenty of water/Gatorade stations and power gel. The course was charming - I did not expect the bike path. Yes, mile 23 was ever-present, but I felt good until the end. Definitely give this one a try. And the medal! Impressive!!

This was my first year running the race (though I was a spectator last year). The hills were not as bad as I had envisioned. The spectators were very enthusiastic and there were a lot more of them this year at the end of the race. Aid stations were well supplied and staffed by great volunteers. Weather was perfect!

Thanks to all the volunteers in the morning who had to help park us after a longer wait than usual at the gate! Your support was appreciated even if we did grumble a bit!

This is a marathon you definitely ought to consider running. Although the marathon is relatively small (about 1,300 participants in 2003), it is extremely well organized, with plenty of water/electrolyte/food stops. The hills at the beginning and end are a challenge - not a real problem early in the race, but at the end (approximately miles 22 to 24) they are a real killer. The middle part of the course is flat and often well-shaded. Spectator support is extremely limited over most of the course, but the volunteers manning the various support stations are topnotch and enthusiastic. And yes, top brass do hand out the fantastic finishers medals (I got mine from a two-star general, although a three-star general was just to his left). This is a well-managed marathon - you must do it at least once. Also, the USAF Museum is equal to - if not superior to - the Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian, especially if you are interested in USAF aircraft, so make sure you schedule time to see it.

The intent of the Air Force Marathon is tremendous. Unfortunately, the race comes up a little short. The outstanding crowd support and genuine attitude demonstrated by the Air Force personnel is the best thing going for this marathon. The host hotel is average but the staff is very nice. The pre-race pasta dinner is overrated but you have little choice because you are limited in dining options. The course itself is tough but fair. Trust me, there are hills in Ohio. Not recommended for first-time marathoners because of the up-and-down terrain. Train on hills or pay the price. The Air Force Marathon needs some attention to detail. The website needs more updating for out-of-town runners. I had no idea what to expect upon arrival. A pre-race mailer would be nice. The medal is fabulous and being awarded the medal by a 2-star General is worth doing the event.

I ran the Air force Marathon in 2003 and found it to be the best organized race in the United States... equaling the incredible organization of Chicago. 26 water/aid stops, 3 sponge stops, 3 gel stations, fruit on the course in many areas, best medal out there, incredible volunteers, well marked, fair course and goodie bag that was well worth the fee to enter the event. Perfect running weather with a start of around 50 degrees. Couple hills that are at the start and finish; other than those, an overall flat course. This race is a must. Bob the race director deserves a pat on the back!

This marathon was getting a lot of support in the first few years of existence. But since the cancellation in 2001 and with the Air Force Focus abroad race organizers find it tough just updating their web page.

This was my 5th Marathon and I did it in memory of my father-in-law who was in The Air Force and passed away at the age of 39. The organization and volunteer support and encouragement was the best.The course had a hill in the beginning and at the end, other than that it was pretty flat. The finishers medal was awesome, the shirt was first class, and the patch was great too. Make time for the Air Force Museum and take a day trip to the Cincinnati Zoo (you won't be disappointed). The people in Dayton were very friendly and interested in how you did in the marathon. The post race party was great too. Nice job to all the people who made this such a great experience for my wife and I.

The 2002 AF Marathon was my first marathon. Wow! The organization was unreal. They thought of everything. The plentiful water stations, gels, sponges and enthusiastic volunteers made it almost seem easy. The medal is beautiful and I can't wait to get my hands on next years! The weather was perfect and the base has great history! There were runners of all ages and levels...very inspiring. I guess I missed out on the 3 Star General handing out medals, which is my only disappointment. I would highly recommend this marathon especially for 1st timers!

The course was flat except for the incline at approx mile 3 and 23. the water stations were plentiful. To hear a B1 Bomber take off near you was a very special experience. The medal is worth finishing for. I just wish I had won a bombadier jacket. the first 3 in each age group receive a jacket. I will be back next year as I hear the organizers are having a special run in commemoration of the Wright brothers first flight in 1903. The museum is magnificent and dont miss the Imax movie-very cool. I loved the race-well done organizers. Thanks also for getting the weather to clear up just in time for the marathon. See you next year.