Third Time’s the Charm: 2024 Air Force Half Marathon Experience

Brian Johnson (MM8807, HF7287, DA707) – 2024 Air Force Half Marathon Recap
September 2024, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio

Half Marathon #22
State #9 (and holding)
Air Force Half Marathon

To start, saying that I haven’t really enjoyed this race would be an understatement. My first attempt in 2016 ended in a DNF on a brutally hot day. In 2023, I faced the same outcome when a race director error caused the last four pace groups to get swept—once again, on a brutally hot day.

Fast forward to 2024. The only reason I came back was because the race offered free entry to those of us who were swept in 2023. So… why not?

Heading into race weekend, I was already injured. A few weeks earlier, I had sprained my ankle. Then, during an ultramarathon a couple of weeks later, I developed a knee issue. I wasn’t entirely sure what race day would bring.

As I did last year, I found an affordable camping spot. Being prior-service Army, I stayed at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base campground for just $10 a night.

Packet Pickup
Packet pickup was seamless. I had initially registered for the full marathon but downgraded to the half marathon at packet pickup. Later that day, I saw on social media that the race offered free downgrades for other full marathoners due to the forecasted hot weather on Saturday morning.

Race Morning
To avoid a lot of headaches, it’s best to get to the parking areas near the Air Force Museum as soon as they open at 4 a.m. If you wait until 6, the lines are horrendous. Be aware—the parking area is about a mile from the start.

Pre-race festivities included several Air Force demonstrations, from parachutists to fly-bys. It’s truly a spectacular sight.

I met quite a few Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics along the way, which always makes the experience more enjoyable.

The Race
Eventually, the race began—race starts are always fun

And then, the fun stopped.

The day turned brutal quickly. The course is hilly—at times, it felt like I was constantly climbing. On the bright side, as the sun rose, the views from the hills were stunning.

I ended up walking a lot.

The race was red-flagged early due to heat, so taking it slow was a good decision. My experience with ultramarathons has made me a big believer in pickle juice—it can turn a bad day around.

During the race, I helped four runners by sharing the pickle juice I carried:

One at mile 3 (puking)
One at mile 6 (bad cramps)
One at mile 9 (mild cramps)
A marathoner near the finish line who was lying in the shade

The runners at miles 6 and 9 later thanked me for helping them turn their races around.

One of the most moving parts of the race was the wear blue: run to remember mile. If you’ve never experienced it, take the time to walk through—it’s incredibly powerful.