Race times and registration logistics
Saturday’s 30th Air Force Marathon will start at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, with the full marathon at 6:30 a.m. and the half marathon and 10K at 7:15 a.m. More than 8,500 runners from all 50 states and 18 countries are expected, along with about 1,500 volunteers, the Springfield News-Sun reports. Organizers moved the marathon to the earlier start because of anticipated heat, including a forecast high of 86 degrees.
Heat and outdoor-race safety
The earlier start is a practical response to the forecast heat. According to the National Weather Service, WetBulb Globe Temperature measures heat stress in direct sunlight by accounting for temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover; when WBGT is high, the agency advises reducing strenuous activity and drinking plenty of water or other nonalcoholic fluids. NOAA’s National Weather Service also warns that UV exposure can cause sunburn quickly and increase susceptibility to dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke during outdoor activities.
What the heat guidance means
The verified guidance is primarily preventive: high WBGT means conditions can place additional heat stress on people exercising outdoors, while sun exposure can increase susceptibility to dehydration and heat-related illness. Runners and spectators should use the event’s safety resources and seek medical help for any concerning symptoms.
The 30th running also marks a continuing tradition for the event. The Air Force Marathon’s official history lists 21 runners who had completed all 29 previous Air Force Marathons.
Runners can pick up bibs and race packets beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Health and Fitness Expo in Wright State University’s Ervin J. Nutter Center on Col. Glenn Highway in Fairborn, according to the Springfield News-Sun.
Friday 5K and Saturday race options
A 5K is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Nutter Center. Participants who complete the 5K and one of Saturday’s longer races can receive the commemorative medal associated with the Aim High Challenge, the Springfield News-Sun reports.
Course and special division
The weekend’s routes include Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Fairborn. The full marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier, while the half marathon is set to pass through downtown Fairborn. City spokeswoman Emily Gay told the Springfield News-Sun that the route change is expected to bring an additional 3,000 to 5,000 runners through downtown.
The event also is adding an official Ruck Division. Under the Air Force Marathon’s requirements, participants must carry a backpack with a minimum dry weight of 25 pounds; organizers will weigh the pack before and after the race to verify that it met the standard.
After the races
Saturday’s finish-line festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The public event will include food trucks and a band, and visitors should be prepared for airport-style security screening, according to the Springfield News-Sun.
People who live or park along the downtown Fairborn route should plan for possible vehicle removals. Fairborn police typically begin towing vehicles at about 3 a.m. Saturday, the Springfield News-Sun reports.
