Air Force Marathon 2014: Route, Course Map, Times, Event Details

Months of preparation for runners leads up to one huge event—the 2014 Air Force Marathon.

Every year, marathon enthusiasts line up at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for a chance to compete. More importantly, it also gives runners a chance to see the National Museum of the United States Air Force and the headquarters of the Air Force Materiel Command during the marathon.

The marathon is in its 18th year, with several records on the line. Josh Cox set the male marathon record back in 2007 with a time of two hours, 20 minutes, 57 seconds, so participants will be looking to break that mark on Saturday.

Outside of just the glory of finishing the event, runners will also be competing in a Boston qualifier. The event is sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association and involves everything from a wheelchair event to a 5K run.

Before the event gets underway, here's a look at the route, times and event information.

2014 Air Force Marathon Information

Where: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio

When: Saturday, Sept. 20; Runner entry gates open at 5 a.m. ET. Opening ceremonies begin at 7:10 a.m. ET. Full schedule of events are listed on the official website.

Route: Event runs through the the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Force Materiel Command headquarters, Wright-Patterson AFB flight line, Huffman Prairie Flying Field and the Wright Brothers Memorial Monument.

*Full marathon map can be found at USAFMarathon.com.

Event Information

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

A sellout crowd of runners will fill the air force base, with several hoping to qualify for Boston by the end. Last year's marathon was capped at 15,000, so there will be participants of every type in the huge field.

The event is staggered, with the marathon and 10K starting at 7:30 a.m. ET and the half marathon beginning an hour later. Before anyone takes the course, the wheeled marathon will kick off at 7:25 a.m. ET following the opening ceremony.

Each participant will be working toward receiving a medal by the end, as the marathon's official Twitter account shared:

While the marathon itself promises to be thrilling, a specific guest speaker should excite the runners in attendance.

Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray is set to speak at several festivities and participate in race-day activities. Air Force Marathon Race Director Rob Aguiar spoke about having McGillivray at the event, via USAFMarathon.com:

"

I have heard Dave speak many times. He has come to our race before as a featured speaker and he always draws a large crowd. …

I'm very excited to have Dave back this year. Especially after the tragic events at Boston in 2013 and as a Boston native myself, it's wonderful to see the incredible support the running community has shown for the race and for Dave.

"

Every event McGillivray will be speaking at is already sold out, so the attendees will apparently be in for a treat. Since there has been a groundswell of support for the Boston Marathon since the 2013 terror attacks, runners will be lining up to hear from the director.

Whether racers are looking to set a record or simply set a new personal high, the Air Force Marathon will be memorable. A ticket to Boston is potentially on the line, so the race to the finish will be an intriguing one.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.