WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) –
A record field of 12,000 runners registered for 2010 Air Force Marathon events Sept. 17 - 18 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
This year's race participation shattered the previous 2009 Marathon record of 9,969 runners, and by Sept. 14, had completely sold out at the pre-determined race cap of 12,000 runners.
Participants included those running in the full marathon, a wheeled division, a half-marathon, along with 10K and 5K runs.
The 14th annual running was opened by Lt. Gen. Janet C. Wolfenbarger, Air Force Materiel Command vice commander.
"This is truly a record breaking day," General Wolfenbarger said. "There are representatives from every state, along with six nations, and 44 folks who have attended every U.S. Air Force Marathon start since its inception in 1997."
The general reminded those gathered that the running of the 10K, half- and full marathon races on Sept. 18, coincided with the U.S. Air Force's 63rd birthday. She thanked the thousands of runners, volunteers, and spectators "for making this a wonderful event.
The three-day event started with a sports and fitness Expo held at the Ervin J. Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University. The expo hosted more than 60 exhibitors featuring the latest in sports, fitness and nutrition.
The expo concluded Sept. 17 with a 5K race for 2,000 runners held on the university's campus and a gourmet pasta dinner at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Runners were treated to B-52 and F-16 flyovers and a course that visited historical sites on the base and throughout downtown Fairborn, Ohio. A large contingency of fans lined the course and cheered as participants raced by.
For a complete listing of race results visit
www.usafmarathon.com.