Registration now open for the first-ever Runway 5K at Asheville Regional Airport

Asheville, NC – A new event for 5K enthusiasts – the Asheville Regional Airport Runway 5K & Healthy Fun Day presented by Mission Health – is now open for registration. Visit flyavl.com for information.

The 5K will be held on a portion of the runway and airport campus on Saturday, October 1 at 9am, providing participants a chance to walk or run in celebration of the airport’s 50th anniversary. Proceeds will benefit Ladies Night Out, a program that provides mammograms and screenings to women who cannot afford them.

“The airport and the runway are a big part of the history of our area – not only from a growth perspective, but also from a very personal perspective to so many,” said Tina Kinsey, director of marketing at the airport and event coordinator. “I have spoken with numerous residents of our area about the days when Sunday lunch was enjoyed at the airport. Requests are frequently made for us to build a runway observation deck. And the weekly calls I receive with questions about the military planes that frequent our airspace confirm to me that there is an on-going fascination with aviation. So in honor of our 50th anniversary, we’re providing a way for our community to get up close and personal with the runway and aircraft.”

“A 5K is a popular way for people of all ages to participate in health and wellness,” said Becky Brown, marketing manager at Mission Health. “This is a great way to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle, while helping a key regional organization celebrate its golden anniversary.”

The free “Healthy Fun Day” festival will be from 10am to 1pm. It will also be staged adjacent to the runway, and will include aircraft on display, health and wellness education and activities, live music, low-cost airplane rides (provided by the WNC Pilot’s Association), and chances for attendees to win free airfare. The event is being made possible by the Airport and in partnership with the following key sponsors: Mission Health (presenting sponsor); Landmark Aviation; the WNC Ag Center; the WNC Pilot’s Association; Clear Channel Radio (Star 104.3 and 570AM); Asheville Radio Group (Mix 96.5); and Windstream.

Registration information for the Runway 5K can be found at flyavl.com.