COLUMBUS, OH – The John Glenn International Runway 5K Run & Walk returns for the fifth year on Saturday, September 16. Registration is now open for this popular community event giving participants rare access to the airport runway while raising funds for an important cause.
Proceeds from the Runway 5K benefit Honor Flight Columbus, a nonprofit organization that provides senior veterans with a day in the nation’s capital to visit the memorials built in their honor. At the last race held in 2022, over 1,400 participants raised $85,000, funding an upcoming Honor Flight flying out of John Glenn International (CMH) on May 4.
“For the fifth year we are looking forward to opening our runway to the community for this one-of-a-kind event,” said Joseph R. Nardone, President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “It’s an unforgettable experience offering participants the chance to see another side of the airport while raising funds to honor our nation’s veterans.”
“Honor Flight Columbus is proud of the partnership we have with the Columbus Regional Airport Authority and the Runway 5K participants who make this race an annual event,” said Beth Johnson, Interim Executive Director for Honor Flight Columbus. “Honor Flight Columbus’ mission is to honor, share and celebrate the service of our senior Veterans. Our mission is made possible by the donations of Grateful Americans like you who understand that we are running out of time to honor these heroes.”
The race takes place along runway 28R/10L on the north side of the airport. Participation includes a commemorative race medal, race t-shirt, a swag bag, and stats integration with the RaceJoy mobile app. The race is limited to 1,500 participants and spaces are expected to fill quickly. For more details and to sign up, visit runsignup.com/cmh5k.
Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can learn more on the race website. For volunteer opportunities, sign up on the race website.
About Honor Flight Columbus
Honor Flight Columbus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s veterans from WWII through the Vietnam War with a trip to Washington DC to visit their service and war memorials. These trips are free of charge to any qualified veteran. The organization strives to help veterans share their stories with future generations, as well as celebrate their service to our country with a proper homecoming that many of them never received. They have successfully flown 112 missions that totaled over 8,000 veterans. The organization is funded entirely by donations from various businesses, foundations, school organizations, and other grateful Americans.
