2026 Run the Runway

✈️ 5th Annual Run the Runway

Presented by ConocoPhillips

📍 Midland Airpark | Midland, TX
📅 Saturday, August 29, 2026

The Permian Basin’s Only Runway Race Experience

Run the Runway is back — giving runners, walkers, families, and aviation fans the rare opportunity to complete a 5K or 1-Mile Fun Run on the runway at Midland Airpark.

This is not your everyday road race. This is a chance to run where planes take off, experience Midland Airpark from a whole new point of view, and kick off a full morning of aviation, family fun, and community connection.

👉 Claim your spot on the runway and register today.

✈️ Why This Race Is Different

Run the Runway is one of Midland’s most unique community race experiences.

• 🏁 5th Annual Run the Runway
• ✈️ Run on the newly renovated tarmac at Midland Airpark
• 🔥 A rare opportunity to run where planes take off
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly 1-Mile and timed 5K options
• 🎉 Race first, then stay for Fly Into Fall

In 2025, this was the only race held on airport property in Texas. In 2026, we’re bringing it back stronger than ever.

This isn’t just a race.
This is a whole new point of view.

Run First. Stay for Fly Into Fall.

Run the Runway kicks off the City of Midland’s Fly Into Fall event beginning at 9:00 AM.

Fly Into Fall is free and open to the public — a hands-on aviation experience for all ages designed to inspire the next generation of pilots, mechanics, aviation professionals, and dreamers.

Where the next generation of pilots gets their first spark.

After the race, stay for a full morning at Midland Airpark featuring:

• ✈️ Aircraft displays
• 👨‍✈️ Pilots and aviation professionals
• 🚀 Industry leaders and special guests
• 🎮 Flight simulators and drone experiences
• 🚒 Airport fire truck demonstrations
• 🚗 Classic cars
• 🎈 Kids activities, jumpers, and face painting
• ☕ Food trucks and coffee

Come to race. Stay for the planes, people, food, and family fun.

Built by the Community. Powered by Natural Resources.

Fly Into Fall was created by city leadership, aviation professionals, and community members to celebrate Midland’s aviation history and open doors for the next generation.

With growing demand in aviation careers — from pilots to mechanics to airport operations — this event creates real moments that can shape the future.

Run the Runway brings movement, energy, and community pride to the start of this special day at Midland Airpark.

Why Midland Airpark?

Located minutes from downtown, Midland Airpark plays a vital role in supporting general aviation, business, and economic growth in the Permian Basin.

For one morning only, participants get the rare chance to step onto airport property, run on the tarmac, and experience the Airpark in a way most people never will.

Run on fresh tarmac. Experience a new course. Set a new PR.

Race Details

📅 Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
📍 Location: Midland Airpark
📌 Address: 901 Veterans Airpark Ln, Midland, TX
🏁 Events: 1-Mile Fun Run + Timed 5K
🎽 Presented By: ConocoPhillips
✈️ Race Surface: Runway / tarmac
🎉 After-Race Event: Fly Into Fall begins at 9:00 AM

Schedule

• 6:00–7:45 AM — Packet Pickup
• 7:15 AM — 1-Mile Start
• 7:35 AM — 5K Start
• 9:00 AM — Fly Into Fall Begins
• 9:15 AM — Course Closes

Important: All race activities must conclude promptly to comply with airport operations.

The course will begin closing at 9:00 AM and will be fully closed at 9:15 AM. If you have not completed the distance by that time, a Midland Airpark shuttle will bring you back to the start/finish area.

What You Get

Your registration includes more than a race — it includes a one-of-a-kind morning at Midland Airpark.

• ✔️ Timed runway 5K
• ✔️ 1-Mile family-friendly option
• ✔️ Event T-shirt
• ✔️ Finisher medal
• ✔️ Post-race refreshments
• ✔️ Access to Fly Into Fall
• ✔️ A rare chance to run on airport property

👉 Register today and be part of one of Midland’s most unique race-day experiences.

Who Can Participate?

Run the Runway is open to all paces, ages, and experience levels.

This event is great for:

• 🏃 Competitive runners chasing a fast 5K
• 🚶 Walkers and first-time 5K participants
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with kids
• 🛞 Stroller participants
• 🐾 Dog owners
• ✈️ Aviation fans

Course Support

• 💧 Water available at start/finish
• 💧 One aid station on the 5K course
• 🚐 Shuttle support available if needed
• ⏱️ Course closes at 9:15 AM

Packet Pickup

Friday, August 28

📍 The Athletic Company
🕙 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday, August 29 — Race Morning Pickup

📍 Midland Airpark
901 Veterans Airpark Ln, Midland, TX
🕕 6:00 – 6:30 AM

Race morning pickup is limited. Early packet pickup is strongly encouraged due to parking, single-road access, and airport operations.

Parking + Arrival

Midland Airpark has a single access road, so please arrive 15–30 minutes early to allow time for parking, packet pickup, and getting to the start line.

Because this event takes place in an active airport environment, traffic flow, parking, and access may be adjusted for safety or operational needs.

Strollers + Dogs

Strollers and dogs are allowed.

Please start toward the back for safety and flow. Leash laws apply.

Important Airport Notes

This event takes place in an active airport environment.

Aviation operations, safety requirements, and airport procedures take priority. Race times, course access, parking, and event flow may be adjusted if needed.

All participants must complete a waiver.

Times are subject to change.

Refund + Weather Policy

All entry fees are non-refundable.

The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine. If the event is canceled or adjusted due to acts of God, weather conditions, safety concerns, or airport operational requirements, participant packets will be made available for pickup.