Kick off RFD’s AirFest with “Run the Runway”

The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) will host “Run the Runway,” featuring a 5k, 1-Mile and Kid’s Fun Run, on Friday, June 5, leading up to AirFest 2015. New this year, the race will feature a unique opportunity to run with AirFest performers which will be announced at a later date.

“Run the Runway is a great opportunity for people to get pumped up for AirFest while offering an inside view of the airport from a vantage point often unseen,” said RFD Executive Director Mike Dunn. “We are excited to welcome our 2015 AirFest performers and provide the region with an experience to remember.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and United Way of Rock River Valley. Monies raised will be used to support Winnebago and Ogle County United Way initiatives and to recruit, train and support Winnebago County CASA volunteers.

“We are incredibly pleased to be working with RFD and UPS on this fun, family-friendly event,” said Paul Logli, President and CEO of United Way of Rock River Valley. “Run the Runway is a great opportunity for families to be active together at an exciting, nontraditional location for a run.”

United Way recently launched a Strong Neighborhoods initiative which is a place-based strategy to dramatically improve the quality of life for children and families, particularly in two of the region's most challenging neighborhoods.

Currently, there are more than 1,200 open court cases of abuse and neglect this year, a 20% decrease from last year. CASA advocates are trained volunteers who take on some of the toughest cases to ensure each child will have a voice. Currently, Winnebago County has more than 130 volunteers who work with close to 300 juveniles.

Run the Runway is supported by several generous sponsors including Meg’s Daily Grind and Rock Valley College.

Registration is open now through May 27 and runners of all ages are encouraged to participate. The kid’s fun run, priced at $15, is open to those 12 and under. The 5k and 1-mile runs are open to all ages and are $30 and $15 respectively or $40 for both runs. A commemorative t-shirt is included in the registration fee.

For event updates and registration information visit www.rockfordairfest.com.

Filed Under: 2015, AirFest, rfd, Run the Runway

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