Registration for the Air Force Marathon will open Jan. 1, 2012, at midnight with a special one day-only price.

For Jan. 1 only, the full marathon is $75; half marathon is $60; 10K is $35; and the 5K is $20.

"We've offered special pricing on January 1st for the last few years, and it has helped get our registration off the starting blocks quickly," said Molly Louden, the Air Force Marathon director. "I think our incredibly fast sellout last year will only help speed it along. People know they can't wait too late if they want a spot."

Prices for the full and half go up $10 on Jan. 2, while the two shorter distances go up $5. Prices will rise again on April 2 and June 2 -- if spots are still available at all by that time.

Although an additional 1,500 spots were added, bringing the potential 2012 field to 15,000 runners, race officials fully expect to sell out based on the rate of recent growth.

"We are encouraging everyone to beat the rush and register early. It is the only sure way to guarantee a spot," Louden said.

The Air Force Marathon, presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2012, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Participants start and finish at the museum, and spectators are welcome at the museum or in downtown Fairborn, Ohio. 

While the half marathon and 10K are also scheduled for Sept. 15, the Air Force 5K, hosted by Wright State University, is scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Wright State University Nutter Center. The Sports and Fitness Expo will also be held at the Nutter Center on Sept. 13-14.

For more information see http://www.usafmarathon.com.

(Courtesy of the 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs.)

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