Air Force Marathon set for this weekend with 8,500 participants

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 6:31 PM

Last updated Sep 15, 2026

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Summary

The 30th Air Force Marathon will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Athletes from all 50 states and 18 countries will participate, with the marathon starting an hour earlier to avoid heat. This year features an official ruck division and the new Aim High Challenge for participants. The event includes a Finish Line Festival and is expected to attract additional spectators due to the route changes for half-marathon runners through downtown Fairborn. Bib pickups begin with the Health & Fitness Expo on Thursday.

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By the Numbers

•Marathon starts at 6:30 a.m., 10K and half-marathon at 7:15 a.m.
•Participants will run through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and downtown Fairborn.
•The Aim High Challenge includes running the Friday 5K plus a Saturday event.
•More than 1,500 volunteers are supporting the marathon activities.
•Finish Line Festival offers food and entertainment open to the public.

Latest Updates

6:31 PMYahoo Sports — With earlier start, Air Force Marathon races slated for this weekend

What they're saying

"
Athletes will line up Saturday, Sept. 19 for the start of the 30th run of the Air Force Marathon well before the sun peeks over the horizon. Race weekend is almost here, with more than 8,500 athletes from all 50 states (and 18 countries) expected to participate, supported by 1,500 volunteers. As with every year’s race, there are changes, but the mainstay of the Boston Marathon-qualifying ...
— Yahoo Sports

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