While the Air Force Marathon, held annually the third Saturday in September, features aircraft still in service, the History & Heritage Race Series highlights retired aircraft that gave wings to the Air Force’s legacy.
Smashing 15 speed and performance records of its own, the Air Force sent its first F-4 Phantom IIs to Southeast Asia for air-to-air missions in 1965, four years after the fighter-bomber began service in the Navy. The F-4 typically flew around 600 mph and could carry twice as much bomb load as the B-17.
“It is a great privilege to feature the iconic F-4 Phantom II,” said Brandon Hough, Air Force Marathon director. “With nearly 5,200 units built and flown by the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, it is the most-produced American supersonic military aircraft in history. The Phantom II saw heavy use in Vietnam, where it was the principal air-superiority fighter, and it was an instrumental aircraft throughout the Cold War.
“In featuring this aircraft, we also gave a nod to one of the most decorated U.S. fighter pilots, Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, who had 17 confirmed aerial victories during his career, the last of which came in the F-4 Phantom II.”
The third race in the History & Heritage Series will begin May 1. Participants may run or walk the full marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K distance wherever they’d like, track it with a GPS device to confirm mileage and time, and upload their results.
All registered competitors will receive a commemorative patch, finisher’s medal portraying the F-4 Phantom II, information card on the aircraft, downloadable completion certificate and race bib.
For more information and to register for the race, visit http://usafvirtual.com.
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