My New Year’s eve tradition for the last three years has remained the same. Get together with my Air Force buddy with our families to bring in the New Year. Once the new year begins, we take turns registering for the Air Force Marathon on the computer. On the first day of registration entrance is at a low price for one day. Since this year will be the 20 year anniversary of the race I found that I was not the only one looking to register at a low price. This year 5,700 runners signed up on New Years Day. In recent years, the run has attracted 15,000 runners. The annual race also offers options to run a half marathon, 10K, or 5K. I have run the marathon and the half marathon and have had such a great experience that it has become an annual event for me.

Packet pick up is the day before at Wright State University, the expo usually lasts for two days. It is free and open to the public. The Air Force Marathon Sports and Fitness Expo host more than 100 exhibitors featuring the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition. If you are interested Air Force recruiters are on hand should you want to enlist.

Organizers are generous with the swag. Usually a nice long sleeve shirt, a towel, noise makers, coupons, etc.

On Friday night, there is a pasta dinner held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in the modern flight hangar. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s own chef will prepare pastas, salads, a variety of fruits and desserts for participants to load up on carbs the day before the big race. The Gourmet Pasta Dinner is buffet style. The event has guest speakers who have made contributions to the running world. You will have an opportunity to look around the museum but keep in mind due to the size and the number of exhibits available this will be something that you will have to continue another day.

On race day arrive early. Air Force personnel will be on hand to guide you and provide security checks. Once you are parked expect to walk up to a mile to check in. You will have to pass through a security check-point before you get to the event. You will be allowed to bring in a clear plastic backpack like bag given to you when you pick up your bib. This will be the only acceptable backpack that runners can bring in.

The marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and 5K start at the same place but at separate times. There are plenty of porta-potties and water stations available. Usually after the singing of the national anthem parachutists will make there way to the ground carrying the American flag.

Along the route there are plenty of stops providing runners with water, food, gugels, fruit, etc. There are certain points where you will not see a crowd but other than that expect to see people cheering you on throughout the course. Last year, there was a guy giving out bacon strips.

The course finishes at the museum. There is a huge crowd on hand to see you through and you will be running along a strip that has Air Force aircraft along the way. Once you cross the finish line there are members of the Air Force present to give you your finishers medal. Once you receive your medal there are plenty of refreshments on hand to restore those lost calories including beer.

In 2017, the Air Force will be 70 years old. Since 2016 will probably see record numbers expect even more in 2017. The only complaint that I have was that in 2014 they had pizza at the finish line, in 2015 no pizza. Pizza or no pizza this is a race I will never miss.