Thousands of runners descend on Wright State University for 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. 19 and 20.

The two-day expo was held on the concourse level and the main floor of the Wright State University Nutter Center. The free expo featured 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. 20. Over 1,800 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 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.

“This is great for Wright State,” said Michael Cole, a junior sports science major who finished the Air Force 5K in third place.

Wright State University and Premier Health were the presenting sponsors of the 2024 U.S. Air Force Marathon.