If you’re planning on running in the fall Air Force Marathon, there is plenty of training time remaining ... for next year’s race.

This September’s 26.2-mile race sold out of registrations in record time last month.

“I’m amazed at how this race has taken on a life of its own,” said Rob Aguiar, race director.

“We raised the cap by 1,500 runners from last year and still sold out sooner.”

A total of 15,000 participants are registered to run in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K during Sept. 14-15. All the races except the 5K are on Sept. 15.

That’s a record number of overall runners for the annual weekend event. The first Air Force Marathon in 1997 drew 2,750 runners to all the races, including 1,600 for the marathon.

Spokeswoman Chandra Lloyd said there are eight charities that still have openings for runners through the 2012 Charity Partners program.

See usafmarathon.com for information.

Lloyd said the marathon committee wouldn’t address expanding the field until after this year’s race.

The loop course is certified by the United States Track and Field Association.

Most of the route is run within base boundaries.

Also, about 75 percent of the marathon runners are nonmilitary. Military runners come from bases throughout the world, including NATO Air Force personnel.

All of the races — with the exception of the 5K — begin and end at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. There is no charge to watch.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton @DaytonDailyNews.com.