DAYTON, Ohio — Thousands of athletes hit the pavement during the early morning hours on Saturday for the 27th Air Force Marathon.

Runners say they couldn’t ask for better weather as they took on the very hilly and challenging course through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

What You Need To Know

  • Wright-Patterson AFB hosted the 27th Air Force Marathon

  • Thousands of runners raced through a hilly and challenging course

  • Both first place marathon finishers have special ties to the Dayton region and unique stories

Jason Salyer, 33, came in first place in the men’s division for the full marathon with a time of approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes.

“It’s a really cool experience. I won last year, so it’s really fun to come back and repeat. It’s a hometown race for me, so I live in Tipp City, Ohio. I have family that works at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. I’m a civilian in the Department of Defense as well. I love the display of our military dominance at the start line, I love the fireworks, I love the energy here,” Salyer said.

In the women’s division for the full marathon, this year’s first place winner is Katie Rulhman from Centerville with a time of roughly 2 hours and 47 minutes.

Not only did the 33-year-old set a new course record, but this was her first marathon since giving birth to her baby boy nine months ago.

“To be back here, to be able to have our local race 10 years after my first marathon, win it, get the course record, this is such a celebration to me. I totally enjoyed even the pain out there on that last 10K. I was like, ‘I’m so grateful to be doing this’,” Ruhlman said.

More than 8,500 runners competed in the various race events.

Athletes came from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.

More than 1,900 people volunteered.