On September 20, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base hosted the 29th annual U.S. Air Force Marathon, welcoming over 7,600 participants from all 50 states and 11 countries.
The event was made possible through the dedication of more than 1,200 volunteers, many of whom have supported the marathon since its inception.
Col. Marietta E. Sanders, commander of the 88th Mission Support Group, praised their contributions, calling volunteers the “backbone of marathon weekend.”
Volunteers played vital roles in every aspect of the race — from distributing bibs, water, and snacks to setting up and cheering runners along the course. Their encouragement helped participants push through the challenging routes across the base and surrounding communities.
The Course and the FlyZone
The marathon included a 10K, half marathon, full marathon, and wheeled divisions. Only full marathoners and wheeled athletes passed through the famed “FlyZone” in Fairborn, Ohio, where spectators created an electrifying atmosphere.
Both men’s champion Zach Kreft and women’s champion Kayla Brown credited the FlyZone crowd with giving them the energy to push through the toughest miles.
Community Partnerships
The event highlighted the strong relationship between Wright-Patt and neighboring communities. Support from civic leaders, families, and spectators reinforced the sense of partnership that has grown over nearly three decades of the marathon.
Official Race Results
Men’s Full Marathon
- 1st: Zach Kreft – 02:21:57
- 2nd: Maxwell Pettit – 02:33:52
- 3rd: Riley Martin – 02:37:55
Women’s Full Marathon
- 1st: Kayla Brown – 02:57:33
- 2nd: Lindsay Norris – 03:06:47
- 3rd: Corinne Yorkman – 03:11:29
Men’s Half Marathon
- 1st: Chris Floyd – 01:10:20
- 2nd: Matthew Williams – 01:11:09
- 3rd: Elijah Green – 01:13:58
Women’s Half Marathon
- 1st: Jaci Smith – 01:16:20
- 2nd: Hailey Dunn – 01:26:33
- 3rd: Jessica Jones – 01:27:19
Men’s 10K
- 1st: Ian Johnson – 00:33:57
- 2nd: Phil Sowar – 00:35:30
- 3rd: Nathan Gormley – 00:36:09
Women’s 10K
- 1st: MacKenna Curtis-Collins – 00:35:43
- 2nd: Keysh Mejias Martinez – 00:39:57
- 3rd: Bianca Turner – 00:43:58
Men’s 5K
- 1st: Zachary Keller – 00:16:35
- 2nd: Kevin Guzman – 00:17:27
- 3rd: Thomas Penney – 00:17:33
Women’s 5K
- 1st: Stephanie Pierce – 00:17:59
- 2nd: Keysh Mejias Martinez – 00:19:03
- 3rd: Bukola Pereia – 00:19:19
Men’s Wheeled Hand-Crank Full Marathon
- 1st: Casey Falkner – 01:09:47
- 2nd: Rory Mead – 01:17:08
- 3rd: Steve Chapman – 01:21:53
Women’s Wheeled Hand-Crank Full Marathon
- 1st: Holly Koester – 02:11:51
- 2nd: Emily Ash – 05:02:09
Men’s Wheeled Push-Rim Full Marathon
- 1st: Josh Sommers – 02:42:39
