Dayton, United States of America · Saturday 19 September 2026
The course begins at the National Museum of the United States Air Force with an immediate ascent up one of the course's two notable hills. After this initial climb, runners descend into Historic Huffman Flying Field by the third mile. The middle segment of the route is predominantly flat, with roughly 17 miles stretching across the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base flight line, where active air operations and the regular movement of C-17 aircraft create a dynamic backdrop.\n\nFrom around mile 15,
Adjusted Time
4:10:15
Time difference: +10.3 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
United States Air Force Marathon is a full marathon held in Dayton, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 19 September 2026. The course is run on road surface with 139m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 283m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official United States Air Force Marathon website.
With 139m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 239m to 283m above sea level (44m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.
Based on historical weather data for September, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 16°C and 32°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in marathon running — research shows that for every degree above 15°C, marathon times slow by approximately 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a low chance of rain (1%), so dry conditions are likely.
United States Air Force Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for United States Air Force Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare United States Air Force Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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