JFK Runway Run

Registration/sign-in/bib pick-up starts at 7:00am, ends at 8:15am
Last bus leaves for starting line at 8:40am
Race starts at 9:00am (subject to airport security)

NOTE: There will be a ceremony after the race to give out awards and raffle prizes. If you have time, you are welcome to attend the ceremony.

Online registration: Active.com or Elitefeats.com
Deadline: April 8th, 2017 – 11:59pm EST

Mail-In registration form (.pdf)

For Business Owners or Organizations:
Be a sponsor at JFK Runway Run and get attention to your business/orgnization!
Sponsorship form (.pdf)

Want to join us, but can’t make it? Or you just want to make a donation?
We offer VIRTUAL RACE! (You even get a t-shirt, if you register early.)
Deadline: April 8th, 2017 – 11:59pm EST

T-SHIRT DEADLINE: Register before March 22, 2017!

Questions? Don’t forget to visit our huge FAQ page.
(65+ frequently asked questions and answers!)

Important Security Note
(implemented since 2014)

1. All runners and spectators will be screened upon entering the buses that will take you on the runway to the Race Starting Point and Spectators’ Viewing Area.

2. No backpacks, ladies’ pocketbooks, or other types of bags will be allowed on the buses. We have a special secure holding area where all personal items can be checked in. (See Question/Answer #015 in our FAQ.)

3. No cameras will be allowed on the buses. These items must be checked in. (Smartphones are fine.)

We are very sorry for the inconvenience, however, this information was given to us by the officials that are in charge of security at JFK Airport. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter. Thank you.

If you’re new to this event (welcome!) and have questions, please feel free to browse around this website and also check out our huge Frequently Asked Questions page. Contact us if you don’t see your questions answered.

As always, we appreciate your support. Thank you very much.

—JFK Rotary Club, owner and host of JFK Runway Run

What is the JFK Runway Run?

The “Run on the Runway” race has become one of the major fundraisers for the JFK Rotary Club. Funds raised from the race are used to support scholarships, sponsor terminally ill children from countries with limited medical and technological services, for life-saving heart operations at local hospitals through Rotary’s Gift of Life Program, sponsors annual Christmas parties for handicapped children from the local schools (including Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, Mill Neck, NY) which is held in the Delta passenger terminal at JFK Airport.

The first race was run in April 1972. Until 2000 it was a 10K race which started at the Ramada Plaza JFK Hotel parking lot and to the runway and back to the hotel. Due to problems with traffic control on the public roads, the Port Authority requested we take part of the race off public roads and contain it to the runways. In 2002, it was decided to change it to a 5K race. It is a unique race as the main runway is actually closed to aircraft landing and taking off. Aircrafts are routed to land and take off from a secondary runway during the race. During its history, the race has never been canceled. As a result of 9/11 and the Boston Marathon incident, security has become a major issue in planning the race. The Rotary Club works very closely with the airport authorities to ensure that the security programs in place are strictly adhered to. Runners actually run on the longest runway at JFK which is almost 14,000 feet, although only a short portion of the main runway is used for the 5K race.

The following is a list of charities that benefit from the race’s funds:

• Airline Employees Children’s Cancer Victims
• Aviation Student Scholarship August Martin H.S.
• Cancer Walk-a-thon
• Children’s Christmas Party for Special Needs Children
• Easter Seals Walk
• J.E.T.S. (Joining Everyone to Share)
• JFK Christ for the World Chapel
• JFK U.S. Customs Explorer Program
• Little Sisters of Notre Dame
• Lupus Foundation
• Our Lady of the Skies
• Queens Boy Scout Air Explorers
• Rotary District 7250 Veteran’s Program
• St. Baldrick’s Cancer Fund
• Semantics
• Student Scholarship Aviation H.S.
• Thanksgiving Dinners for Airline Employees needy families