FAIRBORN — Air Force Marathon spectators will have the opportunity to cheer on runners from the City of Fairborn’s own downtown thanks to the Fly Zone.
It will include live entertainment, breakfast and coffee, seating, roaming superhero characters and a free sign-making station. It will run between 7 -11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.
Individuals may drive themselves to the downtown area, as organizers said parking is plentiful, or utilize one of the eight shuttle buses slated to depart from the start line. It will leave Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by approximately 7:40 a.m., arriving at Rent-a-Center in Fairborn between 7:50-7:55, which is about a half block from the Fly Zone. It will shuttle back by approximately 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:15 a.m..
Fly Zone Co-Chairs Linda Riffle and Debbie Butner said racers typically pass by between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., with wheeled participants passing by at approximately 7:50 a.m.
“It’s a lot of energy,” Riffle said. “We have live music, cheerleaders and the runners, themselves bring a lot of energy. The spectators have a lot of energy because they’re waving signs and cheering people on. The local residents will decorate their lawns, streets and may cook breakfast on their front lawns and have music. It just brings a lot of energy to downtown.”
The “water monster,” a new feature this year, will mist runners as they pass Main Street and Grand Avenue. Fairborn High School JROTC students will also distribute water to the racers as they pass through. TCA Graphics also donated a banner that highlights gratitude for members of the service.
“It’s a good way to show Fairborn pride,” Butner said.
The Fairborn Police Department asks that Fly Zone attendees leave backpacks, coolers, large handbags, glass containers, flammable liquids, fireworks and cans at home. Seating as well as supplies to make posters are available at the Fly Zone. \
Neither spectators nor racers will be impacted by the current Dayton Drive construction. However, some local streets will close due to the marathon Sept. 16 but will open back up by approximately 11 a.m.
