This race has been another on my list of "must runs" for a while now, especially since I grew up relatively close to Dayton and the Air Force Museum - where the event is typically held. This year's event was moved to a virtual event as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, so this review will not include many of the typical items, but I will say this - BIG PROPS to the race organizers for still putting on a fantastic event!

COMMUNICATION - The race management did a A++ job of keeping participants in the loop and engaged across all platforms. Consistent emails and a great social media presence definitely helped build energy leading up to the event.

VIRTUAL EVENT EXPERIENCE - I didn't really know what to expect here, but again - the organizers knocked it out of the park. A centralized online location to "participate" in the race expo, upload results, download race bibs, and even open a video with the national anthem just to name a few of the ways the event went above and beyond to give participants the race day experience.

THE RACES - Participants could register for the 5k, 10k, 13.1, 26.2 mile distances OR could do a challenge series which included 3 of the four distances (5k/10k/half OR 5k/10k/full). There was also a 1k kids run option available. ALL distances and challenge events were available for the virtual version of this year's race.

SWAG - Every year, the AFMarathon features a different aircraft as the highlight of their swag, with that aircraft prominently displayed on the medal and shirt (and other pieces as well). As of this review, participants have not yet received their SWAG, but the shirt and medals look great from what I have seen online. I look forward to updating this portion once I receive those items.

OVERALL - Despite this event being virtual, I am still more than pleased with how things went. I still felt as if I was in Dayton, participating with thousands of others, even though I was running around my own community in central Ohio, a mere 75 miles away. Very glad to have been a part of this event and I look forward to running IN-PERSON next year on September 18, 2021!