Air Force Marathon draws thousands to Wright State University

Runners, walkers and volunteers from across the country and around the world descended on Wright State University to attend the Air Force Marathon Sports and Fitness Expo and participate in the Air Force 5K and Tailwind Trot on Sept. 14 and 15.

The two-day expo was held on the concourse level and the main floor of the Wright State Nutter Center. The expo featured 100 exhibitors displaying the latest developments in sport fitness, nutrition and running gear as well as a yoga and mobility clinic.

The Air Force Marathon 5K and Tailwind Trot 1K Kids Run took place on Wright State’s Dayton Campus on Sept. 15. Almost 1,500 participants registered for the 5K run, which began at the Nutter Center and looped through campus before finishing at the Setzer Pavilion.

Race organizers say about 8,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers attended the Air Force Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Expo. The marathon attracted runners from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.

“I’ve ran multiple races but nothing this big,” said Marshyionna Felix, a runner from Dallas who participated in the 5K and half marathon.

Wright State University and Northrop Grumman were the presenting sponsors of the 2023 Air Force Marathon.