Dayton Business Journal...
Air Force Marathon sells out in record time
by Joe Cogliano, Senior Reporter
Monday, May 21, 2012 

Despite adding 1,500 slots this year, the Air Force Marathon sold out in record time. 

Officials said the final 50 spots for the full marathon were snapped up Friday to make the sell-out official. The event — which includes full and half marathon’s as well as 10K and 5K runs — has grown to 15,000 participants, more than double the number for just four years. 

“I’m amazed at how this race has taken on a life of its own,” said Rob Aguiar, who recently became race director. 

It is still possible to get in the race by going to www.usafmarathon.com and visiting the section on charity partners. Runners can arrange to get a spot by running for one of the eight charitable organizations that still have openings. 

What started out as a small, local gig is now a U.S. Air Force sanctioned event, considered one of the premiere running events in the Midwest. 

Hosting the Air Force Marathon, held on the third Saturday of September, is a massive undertaking that goes on year round. 

Click here to read more about the 15-month process for planning the event, which treks through the base as well as the streets of Fairborn. 

The most recent economic impact study for the race from four years ago showed about a $4 million impact to the local economy. Officials are confident that figure has grown because in recent years it appears more runners are coming from longer distances and there are additional slots. 

The 2012 Air Force Marathon — presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing — will be held Sept. 15 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. 

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