Run The Runway 5K - Traverse City

MAY

16

2026

Experience a unique 5K run on the active runway at Cherry Capital Airport. This charity event supports Wings of Mercy, offering free medical flights, and features close-up views of helicopters and planes. It's a rare chance to run where jets normally land.

Sat 16 May 2026

East Bay Township, Michigan

Registration

5 kilometers

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Run The Runway 5K - Traverse City

This event is a 5 km run and walk held on a Saturday in May. It takes place on a temporarily closed runway at Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan. Participants run down the middle of the runway where airplanes normally land and take off.

The event is the fifth edition and raises awareness for Wings of Mercy West Michigan. This organization provides free flights for families traveling to distant medical treatments. The event previously had over 500 participants and raised over $24,000. For the upcoming edition, registration is open for 700 participants.

Because the event is on airport grounds, there will be aircraft and aviation professionals present. Planned displays include a North Flight AeroMed helicopter, a Cessna 172, a floatplane from Northwest Michigan College, and airport fire and rescue vehicles. Organizations like Women in Aviation and the Civil Air Patrol are also expected, and the nearby US Coast Guard base may display a UH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.

Packet pickup is available on Friday evening at Fleet Feet on East Front Street in Traverse City, as well as on race day at a tent at the event site. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

5 km