This race is STILL on my list of "must runs" especially since I grew up relatively close to Dayton and the Air Force Museum - where the event is typically held. Why STILL? For the second year in a row, the organizers of the Air Force Marathon were forced to make the tough choice to pivot the event to a virtual one, rather than the return to an in-person event as planned. As bummed as I was for this change, I appreciate the openness and transparency throughout the lead up to race weekend. So, just like in 2020, I will once again give BIG PROPS to the race organizers for still putting on a fantastic event - despite going virtual!

COMMUNICATION - Consistent messaging across ALL platforms (email and social, specifically) made me feel like I always knew what was going on and/or what to expect.

VIRTUAL EVENT EXPERIENCE - Organizers knocked it out of the park AGAIN by offering 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). My swag items were mailed to me after the event weekend, and just like 2020, I am once again impressed with all the items! Beautiful medal and patch and comfortable shirt! I was also able to purchase an additional item - a collapsible, reusable cup! That will come in handy for other events I am sure.

OVERALL - Despite this event being virtual for the second year in a row, I am still more than pleased with how things went. I felt as if I was in Dayton, participating with thousands of others, even though I ran my event during another event 5 states away from home. Very glad to have been a part of this event and I look forward to running IN-PERSON (hopefully?!) in 2022!