A great race. Ran the inaugural in 1997. Looking forward to 2002's race. Running to remember 9-11 and all our military soldiers.

Like the runner from Colorado Springs (where I now live), I've run all 4 previous AF Marathons and improved my times in each, as did he (3:48, 3:29, 3:18, 3:05). The course takes some strategy, but I believe that is what makes it a great marathon, along with the best medals BY FAR, and tremendous organization. It also has what I've seen through 46 marathons as the VERY best and most organized relay (4 runners Eikeden style) which also provides 5 large groups of cheering fans as you run the course. And which marathon do you know starts with a 20 piece band and a fly-over of a modern AF plane and ends running through a gauntlet of historic aircraft at the Air Force's largest Museum? Boston, Chicago, LA, NY, Marine Corps --- your top USA marathon collection is not complete without running the Air Force Marathon.

This was my first marathon. I had a great time. I am preparing for the 2001 event as well.The course was hilly in places, but not overly tough, even for a beginner. I found the support to be excellent. The aid stations were well staffed and helpful.The finisher medal is outstanding.

This was my very first marathon, and I don't know how it could have been better. Organization was top-notch; the course was nice--plenty of aircraft. Nice opening ceremonies. Great fly-bys. Aid stations were terrific. So what if I smacked the wall at mile #18!!

I had a blast and this race prepared me for the Indianapolis Marathon, which I finished comfortably (without hitting the wall) 3 weeks later.

This is the best choice for first-timers, but do take it easy: the 1st 6 miles are brutal, and--if you take on too much pace in the flat portion--you will be hating life when the hills pick up at mile #20.

Also, if you run this marathon, by all means take time the day before and tour the museum.

I've run this race every year of its existence (four years). Each finisher's medal is the best I have in my collection and I've run 36 marathons. The organization is outstanding and I've found that when I fill out the comment card noting problems they are gone the next year! The course is 'interesting'. I've learned how to run it after a tough time the first two years. Start off slowly. The third year I actually got a PR on the course by following that strategy, so it's not THAT hard! :-)

Here are my times by year:

1997: 2:48
1998: 2:45
1999: 2:37
2000: 2:41

There is a hill in the first 3 miles and in the last 3-4 miles. The rest of the course can be lonely...There are lots of water stations though. I think one every mile. They gave Cliff shot at mile 16 and 23 this year.

The pasta feed was excellent, with cotton table cloth and real silverware.

The U.S. Air Force Marathon blends an enthusiastic corps of volunteers with fantastic support (aid stations every mile with almost every amenity imaginable--including sponges and showers). This is a great first-time marathon, with an awesome finisher's medal. However, runners will want to prepare for heat and humidity as much as possible in their training. The only downside in this marathon are the less-than-scenic sections of the course which pass by Wright-Patterson AFB buildings and runways. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some will enjoy the AFB sights and sounds. Thankfully, there are several tree-lined miles, as well. I look forward to running here again. You'll be glad to, as well.

The U.S. Air Force Marathon is an excelent event. The organization is outstanding. The race is run predominantly on Wright Patterson AFB. Crowd support is good in places and non-existant in others. The water stops were plentiful. Some only a mile apart. The expo is very small and could use some improvement. The finisher's medal is outstanding!