- Registration is open for the nineteenth annual Runway 5K at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
- The race on October 17 funds aviation scholarships at Central Piedmont Community College.
- A limited field of one thousand six hundred participants can run on active taxiways.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport opened registration Saturday for its 19th annual CLT Runway 5K, which will take place October 17, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. The race has 1,600 available places after last year’s field sold out in under three hours. Registration details are posted by the airport.
Registration began August 1, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. The course runs across the airport’s runway and taxiways, giving participants views of aircraft queuing and taking off.
Free toolB1/B2 Tourist Visa Stay Calculator online
The race supports scholarships for future aviation leaders. Last year’s event raised a record $90,930.
Sterling Patterson, CLT community engagement coordinator, said residents started asking about registration months before it opened.
“Community members began reaching out about registration as early as December 2025. We love how popular this event has become among area residents and beyond. The Runway 5K is one of our flagship events and demonstrates how we build connections between the Airport and our surrounding neighbors.”
The event began in 2007 with 500 participants. Since 2019, it has generated over $317,000 for Airport Opportunity Scholarships at Central Piedmont Community College, supporting 30 students from Mecklenburg County who are pursuing aviation-related careers.
The 1,600 places carry different prices and deadlines
The 2026 registration schedule changes on October 4. Children under 12 have a separate rate.
| Registration category | Price | Availability or deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | $44.79 | Through October 3 |
| Late rate | $50.14 | October 4 through October 14 |
| Under-12 rate | $39.44 | Listed for participants under 12 |
Participants aged 18 and older must bring a valid REAL ID or passport. The identification must match the information used during registration.
Race-day transportation will operate from Charlotte Premium Outlets, where participants can park off-site. Shuttles will leave between 5:15 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. for the secure airfield.
Runway access comes with airport security and operating limits
The flat course uses active airport infrastructure rather than public streets. The airport coordinates with the FAA to limit disruption to its 24/7 operations.
Some travelers have previously reported delays connected to the closure. Patricia D. described a one-hour flight delay in a 2021 review.
The race has expanded alongside the airport’s community and education programs. Its proceeds cover the full cost of a two-year degree for scholarship recipients, including books and fees, as well as a notebook computer and academic coaching.
Fifteen recipients have already graduated or transferred to four-year institutions. The scholarship program is aimed at aviation career pathways and students with financial need.
Lisa Schlachter, chief philanthropy officer at Central Piedmont, said the assistance addresses both education costs and employment prospects.
“By covering tuition, program-required fees, and books, this scholarship expands access to aviation career pathways for students with financial need—opening doors to stable, meaningful employment while creating long-term opportunity for our region.”
A new endowed fund extends the race’s scholarship work
In June 2026, the airport announced the creation of the “Charlotte Douglas International Airport Scholarship Fund,” an endowed fund at Central Piedmont designed to continue the charitable program indefinitely.
Haley Gentry, CLT Airport CEO, said the fund would extend the airport’s education and workforce-development efforts.
"By creating an endowed scholarship at Central Piedmont, we’re not only investing in students today, but ensuring that CLT’s commitment to education, workforce development and our community continues for generations to come."
Interest has also grown among organizations seeking to support the event. Patterson said the airport closed sponsor requests early in 2026, then created new, exclusive packages for additional organizational partners.
The 2026 race begins at 7:30 a.m. on October 17. Participants must reach the off-site parking area in time for the final shuttle departures at 6:45 a.m.
