FlyBy 5K back on at Pittsburgh International Airport
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People will again have a chance to run or walk on the tarmac at Pittsburgh International Airport.
The fifth annual FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk presented by CNX Resources, a natural gas development production company, is Oct. 2. It is back on course after a yearlong hiatus because of the pandemic. The event is produced by P3R, a company that describes itself as the “engine behind Pittsburgh races.”
It gives participants an immersive experience to run or walk the runways at Pittsburgh International Airport in Findlay.
“This event is popular because it’s about the experience,” said Troy Schooley, CEO of P3R. “A family can run in a park or neighborhood anytime, but how often do they get the opportunity to be out on an airport runway?”
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This was the only event not held virtually last year because it’s an event that has to be done live and in person because of its unique setting.
“There is no way really to host a virtual airport runway event,” Schooley said. “You have to be there. We have had so many parents tell us their kids want to do this because they love planes,” Schooley said. “And the airport is cool. You get to see the planes pretty close up.”
The 5K race will start at 10 a.m. and is $35.
The 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk will start at 10:10 a.m. and is $20.
Register here.
The logistics of such a happening takes extensive planning and includes meetings with airport officials as well as the Federal Aviation Administration. Part of the runway is shut down. There is an area where planes will be taking off and landing close by which adds to the atmosphere.
Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis approached Schooley about hosting the event. There are similar happenings in other cities. It is expected to attract more than 1,500 participants.
“Community partnership is incredibly important and the FlyBy 5K is an opportunity for everyone in the region to see the airport from a different perspective,” said Cassotis in a statement. “This is a unique event at the airport and we are happy to welcome runners and walkers to the airfield.”
Registration is at 300 people which is ahead of previous years, Schooley said.
The numbers also include younger people which is great for the future of the sport because running is an activity that can be done even later into life.
He attributes the popularity to people walking to jogging and running during the pandemic. The exercise has continued because people felt good afterwards, Schooley said.
It isn’t an entirely flat course, Schooley said. There is a slight grade on the runway.
“In addition to being a fun race for friends, family, and colleagues to do together, it’s also an important opportunity to further highlight all the exciting developments at the airport like the innovative microgrid partially powered by our on-site natural gas,” said Brian Aiello, CNX vice-president of external relations and human resources in a statement.
Proceeds benefit the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to assist members of the military, families and others traveling through the airport. In 2019, the event donated $28,000.
“The FlyBy 5K is one of the largest airport runs in the country and we see so many families come out to move together,” said Schooley. “We are excited to bring participants back to the runway this year.”