Museum of Aviation hosts 19th annual marathons

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – More than a thousand runners from across Middle Georgia competed in three different races Saturday.

Most people ran, but some chose to walk during the annual Museum of Aviation Foundation marathons.

The event featured a marathon, half marathon and 5k races. It is the museum’s largest fundraiser.

Although the museum is free, they use the money from the races and donations from corporate sponsors to keep the museum operating, according to Pat Bartness, president of the Museum of Aviation Foundation.

He says he was impressed with the massive crowd that showed up for this year’s races.

“It’s encouraging to me to see so many people that are interested in health and welfare and taking care of themselves and running and also people who want to come and support this museum,” says Bartness.

Trophies were awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each race. The winners of the active duty military male and female marathon runners took home trophies too. Relay team winners were also awarded trophies.