AFLCMC uniformed, civilian airmen train and volunteer for upcoming Air Force Marathon

  • Published
  • By Allyson B. Crawford, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFLCMC) - The 29th running of the Air Force Marathon is set for September 20, 2025, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Command Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Weiser and Capt. Rami Abukhater are running the half marathon. This will be Abukhater's longest official run event while Chief Weiser is a veteran of many starting lines. 

Weiser consistently runs 30 miles a week, preferring the outdoors to a treadmill and always in the morning.

"It keeps me ready to serve my nation at any given time," explains Weiser of his running passion. "And not just physically, but mentally. The mental readiness that is gained from physical readiness is a very high level."

Now 48, Chief Weiser started regularly running at the beginning of his Air Force career to meet fitness standards and to keep his weight in check. He isn't a stickler about diet and doesn't use any special training drinks or gels to fuel his runs. 

Capt. Abukhater was never a runner and generally not a fan of cardio. But after repeated trap injuries from weightlifting, he realized something had to change and decided to give running a try. Even while dealing with some hip issues, Abukhater is confident in his progress. 

"My goal is finish in two hours and twenty minutes,” says Abukhater. "And obviously to run the entire time."

Abukhater, who serves as Aide-de-Camp to AFLCMC commander Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton, has very busy workdays and a full family life. That means limited training time. Using a running watch with a built-in training plan, Abukhater knows exactly what distance to run and how often. Like Weiser, Abukhater prefers to run outside in their respective neighborhoods. For Wieser, this means inside the fence at Wright-Patt and that has been common for much of his Air Force time. 

"When I was at Minot [AFB], I ran outside all winter long," smiles Weiser. "I love running when it is cold. Zero to 10 below, I'll run in that any day of the week. If there's no wind... it's nice. You put layers of clothes on, you layer up, you take some off if you get hot, it's beautiful." 

Like most runners training for an official event, Wieser worries about the heat on race day, but if conditions are right - perhaps in the 50s at the start - he may decide to do the full marathon instead. The Air Force Marathon is unique in that it allows participants to register just a few days before the event (space pending).
 
Abukhater is not looking to bump to the full marathon. Instead, he is celebrating his 13th year in the Air Force during the 13.1 mile half.  
Race participants study the marathon course

Race participants study the marathon racecourse at the Air Force Marathon Health & Fitness Expo on Sept. 15, 2022, at Wright State University’s Nutter Center, Fairborn, Ohio. The Expo featured about 75 exhibitors specializing in the latest developments in health, fitness and nutrition Yoga, and a mobility clinic, were also offered. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez)
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For those who want to start running, Wieser says going slow is key and mix it up. He rides a bike often and walks on a treadmill with an incline one day a week to give his joints a break. 

"Have fun, find a partner. [Training] with someone else makes a world of difference," adds Wieser. "You can talk, and the time will fly by and then it's way easier."

For those who want to run shorter distances or even walk, Air Force Marathon weekend offers 5K and 10K races as well. There is also a three-person relay. 

With over 8,000 runners representing every state and several countries around the world, the marathon needs volunteers. Right now, there is a special need for individuals to help with expo tear down. 

Terry Luzader, a veteran and longtime civilian employee at WPAFB, volunteers during race weekend. In the past, she has worked at hydration stations along the race route. She's helped with the awards portion of the marathon and this year will be working at the spaghetti dinner the night before the big race. As a member of the AFLCMC protocol staff, Luzader will use her skills to make sure everything at the dinner is organized and presented in the correct way to the public. 
 
“Help if you can!” says Luzader.

Visit the online portal to register for the many events during the marathon weekend. To lend a hand and volunteer your time for this massive event, visit the registration page to see different opportunities. Military discounts are available for all race lengths.