The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced last week that the Niagara Falls International Airport will host a premier 5K race at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, using its main runway.
The Calspan Run The Runway, a certified 5K race, will take place exclusively on the airport's main 10,825-foot-long runway and adjoining taxiways. The event is being coordinated by Eclipse Multi-Sport, a local race management company that highlights the family experience in fitness activities and has raised thousands of dollars for charitable partners in WNY for over a decade.
William R. Vanecek, NFTA's director of aviation said, "We are pleased to host this first of its kind event to take place on the aviation side of our airport. Using the main runway as the race course will give participants a unique perspective as they will have an opportunity to be on a course they have never run before."
Calspan officials say the company is thrilled to be the title sponsor of the inaugural Calspan Runway 5K, which provides participants a unique opportunity to run a 5K on the Niagara Falls International Airport runway. Supporting this event represents Calspan's long-standing commitment to giving back to the community and our rich history in aviation research and development.
Friends of Family Support Association, 914th Tactical Airlift Wing and the Niagara Aerospace Museum have been designated to receive a portion of the net proceeds from the race. The mission of the FFSA is to support military families in coordination with the Family Support Center located on the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base. The Niagara Aerospace Museum, located in the former NFIA terminal, displays a varied collection of aviation artifacts, in addition to providing extensive educational programming, focusing on the area's role in our nation's extensive aerospace history.
Registration for the race is now open. Participants can sign up online at eclipsemultisport.wixsite.com/runway5k or at niagarafallsairport.com. Participants and guests will be screened prior to accessing the secure side of the terminal's ramp area, just as they would prior to taking a flight. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with the race starting at 10 a.m. Free parking will be available in airport lots. Participants are encouraged to car pool. The NFIA is located at 2035 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY.