GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — How often do you get to run a 5k down an active airport runway?
In Grand Rapids, you can do it once a year!
More than 900 people participated in the Gerald R. Ford International Airport's annual GRR Runway 5k and one-mile fun run on Saturday.
Beginning at 9 a.m., runners took off north of the economy parking lot, ran onto taxiway Juliet and sped across the airport's general aviation runway (runway 8L/26R) before finishing back at the parking lot.
"We love to serve the West Michigan community and have now for over 60 years," said Haley Abbas, the marketing and communications manager for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. "So we do try to find new and unique ways that we can engage with our community members and just give them a really unique experience out here at the airport."
The 5k has been taking place for about eight years now and each year there's a new charity partner.
This year, the airport partnered with Special Olympics Michigan and raised more than $16,000 for the organization.
"As an organization that seeks to encourage inclusion and joy through sport for athletes of all abilities, this partnership with the GRR Runway 5k is one that we are so proud of and incredibly grateful for,” said Kristie Kigar, stewardship and engagement coordinator of Special Olympics Michigan.
Participants received a medal, a custom race shirt and post-race food, drinks and vendors.
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