Airport to host Runway 5K

SportsNonprofit

May 23

Photo courtesy of Gerald R. Ford International

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority invites community members to join the annual GRR Runway 5K and one-mile fun run on Saturday, June 7. This unique event offers walkers and runners the rare opportunity to compete on an actual airport runway.

The race will begin just north of the economy parking lot, continuing onto Taxiway Juliet and Runway 8L/26R, the Airport’s general aviation runway, before concluding back at the parking lot.

Race-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m., with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m. The one-mile fun run will begin at 9:05 a.m. Awards for the top three overall males, females and individual age groups will be presented at 10:15 a.m.

Early packet pickup will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at The Runnery, located at 5361 Alpine Ave. NW in Comstock Park.

The charity partner for this year's event is Paws With A Cause, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities through custom-trained assistance dogs.

Since 1979, Paws With A Cause has placed 3,500 custom-trained assistance and facility dogs, helping individuals and communities live with dignity, companionship, confidence and independence. PAWS is accredited by Assistance Dogs International and has received the Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating.

“We are delighted to once again provide our community with the exciting opportunity to run or walk on a course that is typically reserved for aircraft only,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO, Ford International Airport Authority. “Thank you to our sponsors for helping raise awareness and funds for an incredible local charity, Paws With A Cause.”

Participants will receive a T-shirt, finisher medals for completing the 5K or fun run, post-race snacks and beverages, awards for top finishers, and free finisher’s photos.

"Paws With A Cause is incredibly grateful to be selected as the charity partner for the 2025 GRR Runway 5k!” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO, Paws With A Cause. “Each PAWS dog we place changes the lives of individuals, families and communities. This support from GRR will allow us to impact even more lives through the partnership of custom trained assistance and facility dogs."

Ford International Airport’s two commercial aviation runways will remain operational during the race.

This year’s race is made possible by presenting sponsor The Christman Company, along with Avflight Grand Rapids Corporation, Blue Triton Brands, DK Security, DLZ, Experience Grand Rapids, FastSigns, Northern Jet, Pioneer Construction, Signature Aviation, and WSP. The race is organized by Trivium Racing and the Ford International Airport Authority. For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/FordRunway5k.

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