The annual U.S. Air Force Marathon is approaching on Sept. 21 and if you’re on Wright State’s campus that day you might see the runners.
UPDATE ROAD CLOSURES:
Several campus roads and parking lots will be blocked off for the 5K race on Friday and will not be reopened until after the race ends at 7:30 p.m.
Students are encouraged to park in lots closer to the Student Union for easier exit access.
“All drivers leaving campus after 5 p.m. today via Colonel Glenn should consider turning right from University Boulevard or Center Road and accessing I-675 west of campus or using another alternate route, such as Zink Road to Kauffman Avenue,” Hickey advised.
What the campus community can expect
A small portion of the course enters Wright State University’s campus. This will include volunteers and an aid station, but the major impact will come the day before, Sept. 20, when the 5K takes place through campus.
This race has been hosted by Wright State since 2007 and has grown since.
“Wright State is the annual host of the Air Force Marathon 5K and our newest event, the Tailwind Trot 1K Kids’ Fun Run,” said Air Force Marathon Director, Brandon Hough. “Combined, those events will bring nearly 3,000 participants to Wright State. Further, WSU hosts the expo via the Nutter Center where some 150 vendors and 25,000 participants, spectators, and members of the public will pass through over the two days it occurs.”
Runners come from all over the country
Runners travel from all over the country to participate in this well-known event. A lot of effort goes into the execution of the courses in which the community is impacted.
“As it relates to correspondence, we have multiple meetings throughout the year with WSU leadership and work closely with them as a partner to ensure we have a great event,” said Hough.
Vice President of Student Affairs Bob Hickey explained that set-up for the 5K begins on Friday morning, which will affect traffic flow on and around campus.
Plan your commute ahead
Colonel Glenn at Raider Road will be closed; alternative routes will be accessible at this time.
“Vehicles cannot be removed after the race begins. It should be easy to use Lots 1-4 near the Student Union at Col. Glenn and University but most other lots close at 6 p.m., meaning cars cannot leave the lots until all runners have passed that lot,” said Hickey.
There will be barriers and security in the blocked areas while the race is taking place to ensure safety of the runners.
