Air Force Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Travel Questions

[mousemgr2]

Can anyone suggest where to stay? Or, if not a specific hotel how about which side of the base to stay on?

 

[windwalker]

My race walking partner has us staying at a Ramada inn close to the base. He always arranges our lodging and does a great job.

I will be there for friday and saturday night. Anyone wanting to meet for dinner let me know.

Dave

 

[johde]

As far as the side of base to stay on, I would stay somewhere between the Base and Wright State University near Colonel Glenn HWY/Airway Rd. I haven't decided what Fall event I'm doing but I'm thinkging about either USAF Marathon or the Columbus Marathon. I have family I will be staying with in the area if I go to dayton.

 

[queen mimi]

I will be driving in that morning since I just live an hour and a half away. The only advice that I can offer is allow a lot of extra time. It was much worse than driving to the Princess Half Marathon. There are many lanes of traffic all trying to get through the single lane of the security area. Last year, I was sitting on the exit waiting to get on the base for the longest time. I thought I had allowed a lot of extra time. But, as I was getting out of my car, I could hear the announcer calling the racers for the Half Marathon to the start line. I still had to catch a bus and make a pit stop before I could even head to the start! Fortunately, the start was so crowded that I caught up to the last stragglers heading to the line. This year I will allow even more time! Also, remember where you park your car. A lot of parking is just a big open field with no identification markers. Last year I did the 10 K but this year I am thinking about doing the Half Marathon. It was a fun event.
Susan: I just saw that you are training for the Indianapolis Half. So am I! Right now I am resting a couple of sore arthritic knees, but hope to do 8 miles on Thursday. Don't know if I will get in anything longer before the race. Good luck!

Meg

 

[syko]

Meg How long would you say to allow to get to the start line? 2 hours before race start or more?
Thank you for tell us about the trouble gtting to the start, I had no idea.

We try to stay at HI all the time, so I will look for one of them in the area, we don't mind staying further out as we will need to drive in anyway.

I am doing the 5K and the full.

 

[goofyinohio]

I live about an hour away from here so my plan is just to drive over.

syko - There is a Holiday Inn about 4-5 miles from the Air Force Museum and just around the corner from the Nutter Center where the Expo is I believe. It could be sold out by now though.

 

[johde]

Last year, I was in the 10K and arrived 1 1/2 hours ahead and had no trouble getting in quickly. In fact, I had more time than I needed for a cold morning. Half marathon people are the ones who normally cite problems. They start an hour after the marathon/10K people and the marathon course goes right by the main enterance. For 1/2 marathoners, I would plan on getting there well before the start of the marathon/10K, or try to get in one of the "lesser know" enterances.

 

[syko]

I live about an hour away from here so my plan is just to drive over.

syko - There is a Holiday Inn about 4-5 miles from the Air Force Museum and just around the corner from the Nutter Center where the Expo is I believe. It could be sold out by now though.

Thanks Chris, that one is sold out, but there are plenty of others not too far away.

 

[Hockeychic]

I am staying at Homewood Suites in Miamisburg, OHIO. Not sure how far away it is but was recommended to me by a friend

 

[goofyinohio]

Thanks Chris, that one is sold out, but there are plenty of others not too far away.

Ah bummer.

Looks like a large list of WISHers at this one!

 

[Hockeychic]

Chris, do you know where Miamisburg is? Am I close?

 

[syko]

Here's a map http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1T4...code_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CA4Q8gEwAA

17.3 miles 25mins, not too far to me.

 

[goofyinohio]

Yeah not too far really. Just a short drive up 675!

I've thought about trying to get a room through Hotwire so I don't have to drive over and home to get my stuff then back over for the race, but I probably will to save on expenses.

 

[mousemgr2]

Talk about some great information!! Thank you so much. I made reservations at the Hampton Inn (not too far from the Ervin J. Nutter Center). It looks like we should be okay. I was a little worried because I will be leading a group of 4 people; 3 have never done a race let alone a half marathon. I'll be so busy walking them through the logistics I'd rather not have to deal with bad hotel locations.

Thanks again!!

 

[Hockeychic]

Thank you Syko and Chris.!!!

Looks like lots of WISHers can't wait!!