Wright State hosts thousands for the Air Force Marathon 5K and Health and Fitness Expo

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. 18 and 19.

The two-day expo was held on the concourse level and main floor of the Wright State University Nutter Center. It featured more than 100 exhibitors displaying the latest developments in sports 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. 19. Over 1,600 participants registered for the 5K run, which began at the Nutter Center and looped through the Dayton Campus before finishing at the Setzer Pavilion.

Race organizers estimated that about 8,000 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 many foreign countries.

“It was a great experience,” said Zak Keller, a Washington, D.C., resident who grew up in Kettering and placed first in the 5K race. “Having not gone to Wright State, it’s a super cool campus and running is a great way to see it.”

Wright State University and Premier Health were the presenting sponsors of the 2025 U.S. Air Force Marathon.