Dawn Runners Claim Top Spots at Air Force Marathon

The air at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base held a cool, sharp edge before the sun fully claimed the horizon. Organizers had pushed the start to 6:30 a.m., an hour earlier than usual, to outrun the humidity that often chokes this September course. The decision paid off as the pavement shimmered with early light, offering a crisp canvas for the 26.2-mile grind.

Nick McKenzie and Kayla Rice emerged from that early chill to claim their first victories. McKenzie, a first lieutenant from Dexter, Michigan, crossed the line in 2 hours, 34 minutes, 33 seconds, while Rice, a program manager from Chicago now living in Dayton, stopped the clock at 2:56.39. Both described the conditions as ideal, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat that has plagued previous editions.

Redemption on the Early Track

McKenzie entered the race seeking a correction. His 2025 finish was underwhelming, a 36th-place result that left him wanting more. This year, with a shaky training block behind him, he approached the start line with low expectations, ready to simply enjoy the run. As the miles unfolded, his pace held steady, and he gradually detached from the field.

He finished more than five minutes ahead of the field, leaving Hunter Boyer and Jack Walker behind. The distance between him and second place marked a clean break from his past struggles. For McKenzie, the win was not just a time on the board, but a restoration of confidence after a difficult year.

Battling Cramps for the Lead

Kayla Rice’s path to the top was less smooth. She ran shoulder-to-shoulder with Lindsay Babish for the first ten miles, a duel that tested her endurance. As they pushed into the final stretch, Rice felt the familiar ache of calf cramps tightening around her legs. She pushed through the pain, shaking off Babish to secure the win.

Rice, who finished fifth last year, described the victory as an incredible feeling after three or four years of competing in the race. The perfect weather allowed her to focus on the fight ahead rather than the elements, turning a painful struggle into a triumphant finish.

A Broad Field of Winners

Beyond the marathon, the event featured a diverse array of competitive distances. Simon Heys claimed the men’s half marathon title, while Allyson Peterson took the women’s crown. In the ten-kilometer race, Ian Johnson and MacKenna Johnson led their respective fields. The morning also saw victories in handcycle and ruck events, showcasing the breadth of athleticism at the base.

As reported by Yahoo Sports, the 30th edition of the Air Force Marathon delivered clear conditions and decisive results. The early start allowed runners to experience the course in its most favorable state, with no heat to obscure the effort. For McKenzie and Rice, that clarity translated into personal bests and long-awaited titles.