Tag Archives: Runway 5K

More than 1,000 participated in Airport Runway 5K

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

More than 1,000 runners and walkers braved the rain and laced up their sneakers for a behind-the-scenes 5K on one of the runways at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).

 

The Runway 5K, in its second year at GFIA, is unique as it gives runners and walkers a chance to run with planes in the background and along the route. The race began near the cargo facilities, continuing under the Airport’s tunnel, looping around by the airport fire station, and wrapped around on Runway 8L/26R – GFIA’s general aviation runway. The Airport’s two other commercial aviation runways were operational, giving participants a chance to soak in an up-close-and- personal sight.

 

“This was a tremendous opportunity for runners, walkers, and families who wanted to experience a fun event on one of our runways that is normally only being used for aircraft,” said GFIA Marketing & Communications Director Tara Hernandez. “It was exciting to see West Michigan come out and brave the elements to experience our facility like never before, plus support a wonderful charity at the same time.”

 

GFIA selected Make-A-Wish Michigan as its charity of choice to donate the race proceeds. Last year, the Runway 5K raised $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Michigan. This year, event organizers expect to top that number.

 

“We’re delighted that the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is once again hosting the Runway 5K to benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan,” said Karen Davis, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan. “We are so grateful for their support and the special care they extend to our wish kids and families. It’s through the generous support of our Michigan community, like our friends at GFIA, that we are able to grant transformational wishes to Michigan children battling critical illnesses.

 

“Make-A-Wish Michigan does tremendous work in our community, and we are thrilled to be able to donate proceeds from our Runway 5K to this organization,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We see Make-A-Wish kids in our airport on a regular basis, and although we wish that was less frequent; we are happy to help grant more wishes in West Michigan through this donation.”

Gerald R. Ford International Airport to host 2018 Runway 5K

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

After a popular 2017 race that sold out in five days and raised thousands for charity, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is once again hosting a Runway 5K on airport grounds.

 

The Runway 5K is slated for the morning of Saturday, Oct. 6. The race will begin near the cargo facilities, under a runway tunnel, loop around by the airport fire station, and wrap around on Runway 8L/26R – GFIA’s general aviation runway. The Airport’s two other commercial aviation runways will still be operational.

 

“We are excited to bring back the Runway 5K after such a successful 2017 event. We had such great feedback from the community and sponsors that had a chance to participate in an event normally being used for aircraft, that we had to bring it back,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We are giving West Michigan a chance to experience our facility like never before. This event will not only encourage family time, but it is promoting a healthy lifestyle and aviation as well as benefitting a wonderful local charity.”

 

GFIA is hosting the event for a small registration fee, but the Airport has selected Make-A-Wish Michigan as its charity of choice to donate the proceeds for the second straight year. 2017’s event raised $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Michigan.

 

“We’re delighted that the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is hosting this event once again to benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan,” said Karen Davis, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan. “It’s through the generous support of our Michigan community, like our friends at GFIA, that we are able to grant life-changing wishes to Michigan children and bring hope, strength and joy at a time when they need it most.”

 

“Make-A-Wish Michigan does tremendous work in our community, and we are thrilled to be able to donate proceeds from our Runway 5K to this organization,” said Gill. “We see Make-A-Wish kids in our airport on a regular basis, and although we wish that was less frequent; we are happy to help grant more wishes in West Michigan through this donation.”

 

Participants are encouraged to sign up early as registration prices vary. Registration for the race starts at $32/person, but goes up as capacity fills. Registration includes a t-shirt, post-race snacks/beverages, awards for top finishers, and other giveaways. For those wanting to participate in a one-mile fun run/walk, the fee starts at $18/person and goes up as capacity fills. For those wanting to participate in a one-mile fun run/walk, the fee starts at $18/person and goes up as capacity fills. Participants can register at: http://triviumracing.com/event/runway5k2018

 

More than 1,200 participate in Ford Airport’s 5K

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

More than 1,200 runners and walkers laced up their sneakers for a behind-the- scenes 5K on one of the runways at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).

 

The Runway 5K is the first of its kind on airport grounds in over a decade. The last Runway 5K was for the Airport’s 40th Anniversary in 2003. The race began near the cargo facilities, continuing under a runway tunnel, looping around by the airport fire station, and wrapped around on Runway 8L/26R – GFIA’s general aviation runway. The Airport’s two other commercial aviation runways were operational, giving participants a chance to soak in an up-close-and-personal sight.

 

“This was a tremendous opportunity for runners, walkers, and families who wanted to experience a fun event on one of our runways that is normally only being used for aircraft,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “It was exciting to see West Michigan come out and experience our facility like never before, plus support a wonderful charity at the same time.”

 

GFIA selected Make-A-Wish Michigan as its charity of choice to donate the race proceeds.

 

“We’re delighted that the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is hosting an event to benefit Make- A-Wish Michigan.” said Karen Davis, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan. “It’s through the generous support of our Michigan community, like our friends at GFIA, that we are able to grant life-changing wishes to Michigan children and bring hope, strength and joy at a time when they need it most.”

 

“Make-A-Wish Michigan does tremendous work in our community, and we are thrilled to be able to donate proceeds from our Runway 5K to this organization,” said Gill. “We see Make-A-Wish kids in our airport on a regular basis, and although we wish that was less frequent; we are happy to help grant more wishes in West Michigan through this donation.”