2026 Air Force Marathon

The Air Force Marathon concludes at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, providing a setting directly linked to the service it honors. This event takes place annually on the third Saturday of September at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, featuring a Boston-qualifying marathon as its centerpiece. The weekend's offerings extend to a half marathon, 10K, 5K, a Tailwind Trot 1K Kids’ Run, and a virtual race, accommodating serious marathoners, families, and those preferring shorter distances. The 10K and half marathon also include a RUCK division. The course winds through significant aviation landmarks, connecting participants with over 110 years of military airpower history before reaching the museum finish. Established in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, the race draws a diverse crowd of civilians, teams, veterans, active duty service members, reservists, National Guard, ROTC, and retired military personnel. The AIM HIGH Challenge combines the 5K with a marathon, half marathon, or 10K, with finishers receiving shirts, medals, a finisher coin, and a challenge medal. The weekend also features a two-day Health & Fitness Expo, a pasta dinner, and a Finish Line Festival.