AVL Runway 5K

Name: AVL Runway 5K
Start: 2026-10-03T10:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-10-03T12:00:00-04:00
Location: Asheville Regional Airport

October 3 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Are you an aviation enthusiast? It’s time for one of the most unique 5K runs in the mountains that is just for you!

Our race stands out as the most distinctive 5K in the mountains—it’s impeccably level, and guess what? It takes place right on the airfield of the airport. Participants will traverse Taxiway Bravo, adjacent to our bustling Runway 17-35. Don’t forget to give a friendly wave to the passengers in the planes as they take off and land amidst your run!

Proceeds from the event go toward aviation education scholarships and other important community work. The 2025 race raised $38,000 that was distributed to the WNC Pilots Association Educational Foundation, A-B Tech Aviation Scholarship Fund, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of WNC and Manna Food Bank.

Saturday, October 3 – 10:00 AM

Registration:

Online registration will open on Monday, June 1 and close when the race sells out or Monday, September 28 at 9:00 PM, whichever happens first.

Race Cap:

The race is limited to 1,000 participants

Location + Parking:

Coming Soon!

Details

Date: October 3
Time:
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Category: 5K

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Venue

Asheville Regional Airport
9 PINNER ROAD
ARDEN, NC 28704 United States + Google Map

Race Information

Entry Fees

Packet Pickup/Late Registration

Course(s)

The Runway 5K course is really fun! It begins on a road near the airfield. Once you enter the taxiway (that was our active runway for many years), you will run south to the end, loop around and run north to the other end, and then back again to the finish line. Just 150 feet to the east is the active runway, where planes will be taking off and landing during the race (so cool!).

Due to the nature of this venue and the need to keep the area completely free of debris, there will not be an aid station on the course. You may carry your non-disposable water bottle with you on the course.

Additional Info.

RACE SHIRTS

Coming Soon!

RULES & SAFETY

People of all ages, ability and motivation are invited to participate! Please remember, you are running (or walking) on a former runway, directly beside an active runway. For this reason, we have a few special rules:

Water

No water stations will be available on the course. We must be extra careful about trash or other items that could blow around the airfield. Racers are allowed to bring water with them, but water must be in reusable containers (no disposable/recyclable bottles), and racers must keep water bottles with them at all times. We must keep the airfield clear of any debris, so nothing may be discarded while on the airfield!

Spectators

Only registered racers will be allowed on the airfield. Others in attendance may view the race (and do their own plane-spotting) at the finish line site, where a music stage and food trucks will be stationed.

Safety

This is a foot-race. No bikes, no in-line skates, no roller skates and no wheeled vehicles (like bikes) will be allowed on the course, other than those used by wheelchair users and those pushing jogging strollers. For the safety of all, those using wheelchairs or jogging strollers will be asked to start the race in the back of the pack.

Ear plugs for protection while running will be available upon request at the racer check-in table.

Because the course is within a secure area of the airport, public safety officers will be on hand to ensure the area remains secure, to monitor first aid needs and to direct traffic. Please follow the direction of all safety officers.

BAG DROP

For your convenience, we will have a bag drop area at the race venue where you can leave a small bag.

2025 Race Photos

2023 Race Photos

2021 Race Photos

Please click the links below for race photos, courtesy of Paul King: