Wright State University celebrates two decades of Air Force Marathon partnership

Wright State will serve as the host site for the Air Force Marathon’s Health and Fitness Expo, 5k Race and Tailwind Trot 1k Kids Run. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University will serve as the host site for the Air Force Marathon’s Health and Fitness Expo on Sept. 17–18 and the 5K race and Tailwind Trot 1K Kids Run on Friday, Sept. 18. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Wright State’s involvement with the Air Force Marathon, honoring a longstanding connection between the university and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

“For two decades, Wright State has partnered with the Air Force Marathon, reflecting our shared commitment to honoring the U.S. Air Force while strengthening connections throughout our community,” said Wright State President Sue Edwards. “We are proud to be a part of one of the region’s most celebrated events while welcoming individuals from around the world to our campus.”

The Wright State University Nutter Center is home to the 5K, Tailwind Trot 1K Kids Run and Health and Fitness Expo, signaling the kickoff of the race weekend. Wright State supports additional aspects of the race weekend, including race-day parking and the 5K finish line festival.

This year also marks the 30th running of the Air Force Marathon, established in 1997.

“This milestone represents three decades of honoring the Air Force mission, celebrating aviation heritage and bringing together runners, volunteers, military members and the community,” said Jasmine Gwin, race director for the Air Force Marathon. “As we reflect on the legacy built over the years and look toward the future, we are grateful for the continued support of Wright State and our community partners who help make the marathon a success year after year.”

A new addition to this year’s race weekend is the Aim High Challenge, where participants can participate in the 5K, along with either the 10K, half-marathon or full marathon, to earn an Aim High Medal.

This year marks the 30th running of the Air Force Marathon and the 20th anniversary of Wright State’s involvement with the race.

The marathon, half-marathon and 10K will take place Saturday, Sept. 19 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and offer a race experience unlike any other. Participants have the rare opportunity to run through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, an active military installation, while passing the historic aviation landmark Huffman Prairie Flying Field.

In 2025, marathon organizers estimated that about 8,000 runners and 1,500 volunteers attended the races throughout the weekend, with participants traveling to Dayton from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

“The race weekend brings thousands of participants and spectators to the Dayton region, who then support local businesses and tourism throughout the weekend,” Gwin said. “Whether it’s the excitement of the Fairborn Flyzone, the history of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force or the partnership with Wright State University, the Air Force Marathon promotes health and fitness while creating meaningful connections throughout the region.”