The JFK Rotary Club also sponsors an annual spring barbecue for students with learning disabilities at PS 213; launched a program in 1995 to provide Thanksgiving dinners for families in need in communities surrounding the airport; helps ship relief supplies to Rotary Clubs in distressed areas throughout the world; supported Hurricane Katrina survivors with clothing; and has provided support to earthquake survivors in Pakistan with clothing and medical supplies.

The first race was run in April 1972. Until 2000 it was a 10K that started at the Ramada Plaza JFK Hotel parking lot, ran to the runway, and returned to the hotel. To address traffic control on public roads, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey requested moving part of the course off public roads and onto airport property; in 2002, it was changed to a 5K. It is a unique race in which an active runway is closed to aircraft for a few hours while airplanes use a secondary runway. The race has never been canceled except in 2010 (due to volcanic ash near Iceland affecting flights) and during the 2020–2021 pandemic. During those years, Virtual Races were held. In the wake of 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombing, security has become a major focus in planning, and the JFK Rotary Club works closely with airport authorities to ensure that all security protocols are strictly followed.

Due to the event’s growing popularity and countless requests for information, this website was developed in February 2006.

The following is a list of charities that benefit from the race’s funds. (Answered on the FAQ page):

Question # 045: What charities do the funds from the race go to?

Answer: The funds are distributed throughout the following charities, both past and present: