Local race goes to the top Published March 10, 2016 By Angela Woolen Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- In the U.S. there are more than 1,100 marathons to choose from. Being listed as a "top 50 U.S. road race to attempt in your lifetime" by the travel website www.holidaylettings.com, which is part of TripAdvisor, is quite an achievement for the Museum of Aviation Foundation Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Race. The race, held in January, hosted 900 runners and is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. "We've always known it was a unique and fantastic event," said Chrissy Miner, president and chief operating officer for the foundation. The race marked its 20th year and what better way to celebrate than with national, possible international, recognition. "We found out last week, and we are thrilled," Miner said. ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF AVIATION The museum opened to the public on Nov. 9, 1984. There were about 20 aircraft on display in an open field and another 20 were in various stages of restoration. The Heritage Building - the museum's first building - housed exhibits as well as offices, storage and a gift shop. The opening was the culmination of years of planning that began in the late 1970s. Since then, the museum has grown to become the second largest in the Air Force and the fourth most visited museum in the Department of Defense. Since opening, nearly 13 million people have visited. HOURS The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For more information, call 478-926-6870.