Event made possible by title sponsor Evansville Wartime Museum, supporting local nonprofit P-47 Foundation.
Evansville Regional Airport and partnering nonprofit P-47 Foundation announced, today, a new 5K on the Runway, taking off from Evansville Wartime Museum on Saturday, May 3.
The 5K on the Runway, which benefits the mission of P-47 Foundation by protecting and procuring in perpetuity the P-47 Thunderbolt Hoosier Spirit II that’s housed at the wartime museum, is a unique race in providing participants and their families with a rare opportunity to experience the airstrip outside of an airplane. The 5K brings the community together with a fun fitness event to support wellness, aviation and Evansville’s historical wartime legacy.
“The 5K on the Runway event appeals to everyone from serious runners and speed walkers to children racing with their friends and parents pushing strollers,” said Leslie Fella, EVV’s Director of Marketing and Air Service, and event co-chair. “All participants, whether experienced or beginners, are rewarded with the satisfaction of supporting the community and raising money for a good cause.”
The title sponsor of the 5K event is Evansville Wartime Museum, who will also serve as the event’s location. Race participants will start and end at the museum. Other sponsorship opportunities are also available.
“The P-47 Foundation is pleased and grateful for the opportunity to offer and benefit from this unique event,” said P-47 Foundation's President Rick Kaskel. “We fulfill our mission to protect and keep Evansville’s own P-47 here in our city through partnerships and community support like the 5K on the Runway fundraiser.”
Several race options are available, including a Kids Dash that starts at 8:30a, a one-mile walk starting at 9:05a, and the 5K run/walk, taking off at 9a. The 3.1-mile chip-timed race will lead participants around EVV’s airstrip and grounds. T-shirts are included for all 5K and 1-mile race participants, and medals will be awarded to participants with the fastest times in various age groups and all registered children participating in the Kids Dash. Trophies will be awarded to the overall fastest male and female 5K participants.
Event parking and shuttles will be available at Thunderbolt Pass Golf Course, located close-by on Petersburg Rd., with more parking details shared with registered participants closer to race day. Accessible parking will be available at the museum.
In addition to the morning race events, festivities will also include local vendors, family-friendly activities and displays and discounted museum admission of only $5 until 12p. Local Chapter 21 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will sponsor Young Eagles Flights, or free plane rides, after the race for children ages 8-17, weather and space permitting. Registration for the Young Eagles flights is available at chapters.eaa.org/eaa21/young-eagles.
Visit for more information and to register for the race events at 5kontherunway.org.