WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Air Force Marathon director Brandon Hough credits the marathon’s success to his staff members and says each member has a vital role in planning the event.
Meet the Air Force Marathon staff:
Rachael McKinney, events manager, oversees the ancillary events such as the two-day expo, Breakfast of Champions, pasta dinner and the after party. She also solidifies contracts for over 130 expo vendors. New this year, McKinney will oversee the new green plan initiative to minimize waste at the marathon.
Volunteer coordinator Jeanette Monaghan is busy recruiting 2,500 volunteers to help assist at expo and race day. She ensures volunteers receive the proper training to cover stations such as the runner’s bib pickup, hydration, and finish line. In addition, she recruits and coordinates with multiple charity partners that are involved in the event.
Alex Hausfeld, Sponsorship coordinator, is actively working with over 50 sponsors to obtain monetary and in-kind donations to help offset the expenses for food, beverages, medical assistance and more.
Event Administrative Specialist Katie Klein, provides all administrative support, manages the entire registration platform, and performs numerous other duties for the marathon such as interfacing with all elite athletes and assisting with all event contracts.
Rick Perron is the lead for all marketing and social media for the Air Force marathon. Perron is also responsible for the design of the runner’s shirts, medals, and all marketing banners and signs.
Operations coordinator Jordan West manages all logistics for the marathon. West works closely with the installation and local law enforcement, fire departments and with the Ohio Department of Transportation to manage the course, parking and traffic control. He also ensures all hydration stations on the course are set up and fully stocked.
“Out of all the staff members, West probably has one of the most thankless jobs,” said Hough. “If he does the job well, no one knows he exists but if one thing is messed up, they are definitely going to know who he is.”
Hough said although each staff member has an important role in the success of the marathon, he credits the entire installation as to why the marathon is so successful.
“It would be hard to find an organization on this base that does not get involved with the Air Force Marathon,” Hough said. “From contracting, communications, security forces, services, and civil engineering, everyone plays a part.”
Hough also said the marathon cannot be successful without the sponsors and the partnerships with the cities of Fairborn, Riverside, and others.
The 2019 Air Force Marathon is presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing and is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. The Sports & Fitness expo is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 20. The Breakfast of Champions is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20, from 8 to 10 a.m. and the Gourmet Pasta Dinner is scheduled for Friday evening, starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information about the Air Force Marathon go to www.usafmarathon.com.