Marathon Reviews

BY SHIRLEY

Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon

Warner Robins, GA

http://robinspacers.org/museum/index04.htm (no 2005 info posted yet)

John Hunter, Race Director

478-926-6686 or john.hunter@robins.af.mil

Race held on Saturday, early Janauary

The Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon is a very small race with plenty of southern hospitality. In 2004, there were only about 70 marathoners, but many other runners were present for the half marathon event and 5K run/walk also held in conjunction with the marathon. The race is held entirely within the confines of the Warner Robins Air Force Base and all entrants need to present a picture ID before entering the base. The marathon and half marathon events both start at 8 am while the 5K starts at 8:15 am. No time limit for the marathon was actually specified on the website or in the information provided to runners but the slowest race time recorded in 2004 was 6:45:59. No race chips are used.

Course and Weather Conditions

The race begins at the Century of Flight Hangar and the course is essentially a big loop around the base. Half marathoners run the loop once while marathoners run the loop twice. Early on in the course, participants run past many base buildings and facilities. The course then goes out past airfields where runners may see a plane take off and fly overhead if they’re lucky. Later on, scenic ponds, nice woodsy campground areas and horses are seen as runners pass by the base’s recreational areas. Before heading back towards the start, runners will pass through some residential areas on base. The finish line for marathoners is past the half marathon finish line at the top of a gradual incline. The course is USATF certified and is considered to be flat but has a couple other short inclines.

In 2004, temperatures started off in the low 40’s and got up to into the low-50’s by noon. As in previous years, the course was quite windy and runners faced a strong wind on various parts of the course. Before and after the race, runners could stay warm inside the Century of Flight Hangar where all pre-race and post-race festivities were held.

Support

Aid stations were located every two miles, and water and a sports drink were offered at all aid stations. Most of the cheering is done by the wonderful volunteers who braved the cold and wind to be there for the runners. There were very few spectators along the course and only a few at the start/finish area as well, mostly because the race is so small and entirely on the base.

Restrooms were available at the start/finish area in the Century of Flight Hangar. For full marathoners, that also meant restrooms were near the halfway point too. The course was well marked and the mile markers (two numbers, one for each loop) were clearly visible. On the second loop, I noticed a few cars driving slowly on part of the race course. However, the total number of runners was so small and runners were so spread out that this did not really present a hazard.

Other

The Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon is a very well organized race with some of the friendliest volunteers and runners I’ve ever met. There was no expo or pasta dinner. Runners pick up their race packets the morning day of the race in the Century of Flight Hangar and are asked to leave their picture ID with the race personnel and claim them after finishing. There was plenty of post-race food and chairs to sit on in the hangar. Runners received a very nice colorful sweatshirt and an above-average medal. Due to the small race field, many runners also receive nice trophies in addition to the finisher medals. First-time visitors to the base should not miss the excellent displays and many restored military aircraft that are in and around the several buildings that comprise the Museum of Aviation.