Popular Air Force Marathon in Dayton

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, in Fairborn Ohio, is home to the hugely popular Air Force Marathon. It's so popular, in fact, that last year the races sold out in June, even though 1,500 more spots were added. 

What's the draw? The Air Force Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying event, but also the course takes runners past historic aviation landmarks, including Huffman Prairie where the Wright Brothers perfected manned flight, in addition, the fees for registration are very reasonable. 

The Exit Realty Central office is at 440 W. Main St in Fairborn Ohio, and I was in the office last year during the marathon, the course runs right up Main. It was the first time I'd seen a marathon up close and it was exciting as a spectator. A few details:

The Air Force Marathon is presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, and will be held Sept. 15, 2012, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Participants start and finish at the National Air Force Museum, and spectators are welcome at the museum or in downtown Fairborn. Other events include a half marathon and 10K to be held on Sept.15. The Air Force 5K hosted by Wright State University will be run on Sept. 14 at the Wright State University Nutter Center. The Sports and Fitness Expo will also be held at the Nutter Center on Sept. 13-14. For more information and to sign up, visit the USAF Marathon website, at www.USAFMarathon.com.