Rainy Start, Strong Finish for Runway 5K

From three aircraft parked on the course, including an American Airlines 777, to the DJ spinning hype music and the official debut of CLT’s new mascot, “Zippy,” the 2026 CLT Runway 5K on Saturday, October 17, was a blast.

Janice Cortez from Gastonia brought a group of eight runners who braved the early-morning rain on race day to join the excitement at what has become one of Charlotte’s premier community events.

“I think what got us here is just the vibe,” said Cortez. “And it’s flat!”

This year, securing a spot in the race was a challenge in itself! The 2026 Runway 5K sold out in about 15 minutes when registration opened on August 1.

More than 1,500 participants from 25 states and Washington, D.C., crossed the finish line, including runners, walkers, children in strollers and wheelchair participants.

Special Education teacher Lauren Hickman and her former student, 11-year-old Nahum M., began training in August, with Hickman running while pushing Nahum in a special racing wheelchair borrowed for the race. The pair finished in about 33 minutes, fulfilling their promise to inspire others with disabilities.

“Just being on the runway was incredible, seeing everybody around us and being able to stop and take pictures with the airplanes; it was just incredible,” said Hickman. “I asked him if he’s ready for next year, and he told me ‘yes!’ so we will be back.”

American Airlines pilot Anthony Rubino ran the race with his wife, Ariane, and his two-and-a-half-year-old son in a stroller. “It’s special because I get to see the property from a different vantage point,” said Rubino. “We enjoy running and community, and being here in this capacity just makes it special.”

Since 2019, CLT has raised over $400,000 for college scholarships through the Runway 5K. Race proceeds fund Airport Opportunity Scholarships at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). The scholarships were created in 2018 to promote careers in aviation and economic opportunities in Charlotte.

To date, 44 students have received Opportunity Scholarships.

The scholarships cover the full cost of attending Central Piedmont for two years, including tuition, books and fees. Recent recipients were stationed at the finish line to hand out medals.

“Growing up, my family always struggled, so this definitely will help out with that,” said CPCC student Erikson Alvarez. “And I think I could say the same for a lot of the other students that we are really grateful for the scholarship.”

Earlier this year, CLT established an endowed scholarship to ensure the program’s impact continues for years to come.

Next year will mark the Runway 5K’s 20th anniversary.