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☰
Air Force Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Air Force Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.6
Number of comments: 344 [displaying comments 261 to 271]
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Fred Matthews from Clarksville TN
(9/29/2004)
"Very nice marathon" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I'm a fifty-stater and chose this marathon to complete Ohio. The USAF Marathon was a great choice and I would highly recommend it to others. I found the directions to the packet pick-up clear and exact, with the friendly/helpful volunteers staying well past the closing time to the delight of those of us travelling hours to reach Dayton on Friday afternoon/evening. My hotel stay (at the Courtyard Marriott) was very nice and convenient to both the packet pick-up and marathon start. The nearby restaurants were superb. Directions to race start were also clear and concise, but I was a bit confused as to where to enter air base in the dark. USAF personnel were on the ball and very helpful. The race start-arena was crowded with various races participants, but volunteers kept us lined up appropriately for various races and the race start was perfectly on time (7:05, not 7:00 or 7:15, but 7:05!!). The race course had more than enough aid stations staffed by energetic/helpful volunteers. Also, there were plenty of port-a-potties along course. The course sported a few hills, but nothing that wasn't forementioned on the marathon website. Certain portions of the race were twisting and turning; other sections were long straight-aways. Many sections were open with no trees, one nice section was along a paved bike path with overhanging trees. This was a very nice course. One writer commented that the course was short according to their GPS unit. My Garmin indicated that I ran 26.49 miles, start to finish; I think that this is reasonable for a 26.2 mile course measured corner to corner along straight lines. The finish chute was nice, lined with airplanes and LOTS of spectators. Great finisher's medal handed out by USAF officers (I was too tired to realize if they were generals); the souvenir towel was a nice touch. I enjoyed going back to the finish line area and cheering for other finishers. Post race food and drink were available and sufficient. I really appreciated the van ride to the showers; that really made my 6 hour drive back home much more enjoyable. The race photographers provided great pictures, including several race course and finish line photos. A special thanks to all the volunteers and the race staff. Without these people marathon running would 'really be tough'. This is a great marathon that is organized, well run, and serviced by a useful website. I would highly recommend this race to others. | |
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R. D. from West Chester, OH
(9/28/2004)
"Faster runners should never start after walkers!" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 This year I ran the 1/2 marathon. The organizers had all marathon runners and walkers start first, the relay runners and walkers started second and then they sent out the 1/2 marathoners. One mile into the course, the 1/2 marathon lead runners started running into the walkers and joggers. We had to weave around people for the next several miles. The water spots were a piece of work because of the joggers and walker. It was so congested at the point where the 1/2 marathoners were supposed to turn off of the marathon course and on to the 1/2 marathon course that the lead 1/2 marathoners missed their turn. The turn was not well marked, the lead bikers didn't keep the lead runner in view and as a result of these things, runners who were trying to be competivite in the 1/2 were disqualified. I wouldn't consider running the 1/2 again unless there are some changes in how the organizers approach these issues. | |
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Patricia Brooks from Maryland
(9/27/2004)
"Extremely well organized and great support " (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 20th marathon and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would rate it among my top 3 favorites. The Air Force did an outstanding job of organizing the race and providing runner support. There were water stops every mile with enthusiastic volunteers. While base security prevented spectators from lining the course, those that were present were enthusiastic. The scenery was fascinating - air planes, natural prairie, and polite uniformed personnel at all the gates. The hills were not that bad at all. It didn't slow down the 9 women in my 50-59 age group that qualified for Boston. I particularly enjoyed the pasta dinner in the Air Force Museum. Absolutely sign up for that. We also had a fly over by a Night Hawk at the finish line. A general handed me a finisher's medal and shook my hand. What else do you need in a great marathon? | |
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J. M. from Jacksonville, Flordia
(9/24/2004)
"This is is Awesome!" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Air Force Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Yes I will be back. Only one negative! Drop off for baggage no one seemed to know where it was or what time it would open. Bags at the end of marathon where not secured. Water stations great. 1st aid was first-rate. Support superior. Hills challenging. The finish line superlative. Medals attractive. Generals giving out medal the best. Great job done by all. The web site is excellent. | |
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J. W. from Suburban Buffalo, NYS's west coast
(9/24/2004)
"1st timers pick a flatter course" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I should have picked a flatter or downhill marathon for my first marathon. Hills at marathons do not 'come with the territory.' These hills are at the start and again towards the end. The Steamtown marathon has a 900' drop from start to finish. The numerous aid stations had great spirit, except for the station by the scout camp. The boys were playing football in the street. Plenty of porta-jons on course. Not many spectators though. The finisher's medal was impressive (thanks, General!). The F-117 flyover was cool as well. This race is only 8 years-old, it's well on it's way to being a great one. Stop by the AF Museum, very large, very well done, free parking & admission. | |
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Lindsey Wade from Northwest Ohio
(9/24/2004)
"Great Experience" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and what a great experience! The aid stations were above and beyond and the course was varied and interesting. I beat my goal time by 4 min and even received an age group award. The medal and plaque were awesome and I especially enjoyed the Nighthawk flying low over the base. The only problem I had was that my parents drove 7hrs to see me run and were only able to see me at the beginning and end. More spectators would have been nice. | |
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r. h. from Excelsior, Minnesota
(9/23/2004)
"Excellent on virtually all counts (but two)" (about: 2004)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I agree with all of the good comments above and, as far as the hills go, they weren't all that bad and, hey, it comes with the territory anyway when one is doing a marathon! The only negatives I have are that directions, particularly to the Nutter Center, were confusing. First, there were two different sets of directions and then upon arriving at the recommended exit on Hwy 675, the signs for the Nutter Center direct one to the NEXT exit! Finally, cutting the age groups off at 60 plus went out in the 1980s in the rest of the country! Virtually all marathons now continue their age groups and awards in five year increments through at least 70-plus and some even to 80-plus! Get with the times on that one USAF! | |
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M. P. from Middletown, Ohio
(9/23/2004)
"Five hours well spent" (about: 2004)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I chose this to be my first marathon because it was close to home, inexpensive and well recommended. My only reservation was their past problem getting people into the base. No problems at all this year getting in. If I had expected a flat course and large crowds of spectators I'd have been mighty disappointed. I expected an interesting course and first class treatment all around. Got it. The AF personnel acted thrilled to have us and provided plenty of well stocked stops, many and convenient port-o-lets and perfect weather. Sharp shirt and best finisher's medal anywhere. Go Air Force! | |
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C. B. from Sewell, NJ
(9/21/2004)
"Half Marathon Comments" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Did the half-marathon this weekend, 9/18/04. This was definitely an event worth repeating. Very well managed event. The expo was small. The registration was very quick. The starts happened when they were scheduled to take place, no delays. More than ample support along the course. Water stops were nearly every mile. The course could have used a marshall at the highway overpass heading to the turn-around. The returning runners and outgoing runners cross paths with some confusion resulting on which way we were to go. The full & half marathon and 5K share the finish line with separate chutes and clocks for each race. Medals were handed out by a number of AF general rank officers, along with Mylar space blankets and a terry cloth souvenir towel as you pass down the exit chute. Supposedly there was a goody-bag to be picked up, but I must have missed it. The event shirt is a nice cotton dark long-sleeved shirt. Wish that events would provide wicking shirts instead of cotton; I'd pay extra for that option. | |
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C. R. from Nashville, TN
(9/21/2004)
"Inspirational group, great race!" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Air Force Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What a great group of people. All in all a very enjoyable event with wonderful support crew. Parts of the course are somewhat lonely but the aid stations outstanding. Hills really not so bad and a great medal. Would certainly run again! |
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