For the 2024 Race, no strollers are permitted. Baby carriers/harnesses are fine.

Yes, you can. See Port Authority of NY & NJ’s website for information on how to get to AirTrain from various points around the airport. Here is the direct link to an excellent AirTrain page (If the link is broken, please let us know.)

When you are on an AirTrain, get off at Station C (Federal Circle). It is a car rental and hotel pick-up station. Walking to Building 14 is not recommended due to distance and traffic hazards. There is a bus service from Station C that will take you to the Building 14 area. The bus runs approximately every 20 minutes. So be sure to make plans accordingly and in advance.

Detailed information and maps can be found on our Where We Are page.

Of course! This race is for all ages and types of people. You do not even have to run; you can power-walk or just plain walk and enjoy the unique airport scenery around you. Or, you can run at the beginning and if you tire in the middle of the race, you can always revert to walking. If you happen to feel that you must quit in the middle of the race for any reason, you can do so.

Yes, people in wheelchairs are welcome to participate!

The race will still go on! Although the race has never been canceled during its long history (since 1972), except for the 2020/2021 pandemic, there always remains the possibility in the event of an airport emergency, such as aircraft accident, security breach, severe weather, or a national emergency, that could cause the race to be canceled. Please keep an eye on the main page of this website or join us on Twitter, Facebook, and/or our mailing list. Any new developments will be posted as soon as possible.

It is 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).

NOTE: For the 2024 Race, there will be no spectators at the race location. Everyone that gets on the bus must be registered. They don't have to do the race, but they must be registered with a bib to get on the bus.

Absolutely. Please take a look at our photo gallery to see photographs of the race environment. If a single photo of the runway from a participant’s perspective is sufficient for you, here it is:

(From the 2013 race)

We are sorry, but absolutely no dogs are allowed to be brought to the race or spectator area. JFK Airport is not conducive for walking your dog as well; in fact, it can be quite dangerous.

The 2010 race was, unfortunately, the first (and the last, so far) time in the history of running the races (over 40 years). The airport authorities canceled us from using the runway at the very last minute. It was beyond our control. There were thick volcanic ashes in the sky near Iceland, causing many airplanes to be diverted. All of the runways at JFK Airport were needed to allow these airplanes to land.

During the year 2011 and afterward, we have every intention to run on the runway unless there is a last-minute emergency/security occurrence that we are unable to forecast. Please keep an eye on this website, join our mailing list, Twitter, and/or Facebook to be informed of any new announcements.

(Since 2011 and with the exception of the 2020-2021 pandemic, the race has consecutively taken place on the runway.)

From the 2010 race

As of 2023, we no longer offer group discounts. If you would like to create a team anyhow, the team captain can do so by going to our online registration (Elitefeats.com). During the registration process, there should be an option to create and name a team. Once the team is formed, the team captain can inform their teammates to choose the team while they go through the registration process.

There are two or more buses (blue color) marked Port Authority. They will have a sign such as “JFK Run”, “Special Event”, or the like. If unsure, your best bet is to ask the bus drivers to confirm whether or not their buses are for the JFK Runway Run and Building 14.

For the 2024 race: The top three (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) Male and Female in each age category will receive medals either in person or via mail. Raffles can be purchased via online registration.

Medals from the 2009 and 2019 races. (Note: Medal style & size varies year to year.)

Yes, our parking lots have room for more than 1,500 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking is free. Be sure to be prepared in advance and come early.

From Where We Are page

Yes, we will have a truck and security at the parking lot area next to Building 14 (where you check-in).

Not a problem! Check the race results to see if you’ve officially won. If you have, contact us with your name and address and we will send you the medal. Congratulations!

Yes, you can bring your smartphone along with an armband. However, please bear in mind that we are not responsible for the well-being of any devices that you may have with you while you are running or walking.

For those who would like to know what an armband is, see below; the lady is wearing an armband for her smartphone on her upper arm.

(As of 2014 and onward) Unfortunately, due to the direct orders of Port Authority of NY & NJ and security, you cannot bring your camera/tripod. Only authorized personnel can. If you bring camera/tripod anyway, the security will ask you to check in the camera/tripod before you board the buses to the race’s starting line. (We have a secure holding area where you can check in your personal items. See #015 above.) You can however bring your smartphone and use its built-in camera.

We receive and deal with so many inquiries and requests via email that some of them unfortunately but not intentionally fall through the cracks. For that, we sincerely apologize and ask that if you have not heard from us, please contact us again. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

No. Bicycles and any human-powered or electronic transport are not allowed, except manual wheelchairs.

No. The race is strictly for runners and walkers. Your child will have to run or walk. You can carry your child if they are unable to run or walk the entire race.

Yes! We are on: Facebook.com/JFKRunwayRun | Twitter.com/JFKRunwayRun

We also have a mailing list for those who don’t want to use Facebook and Twitter: Our Mailing List

Yes, only if you are 18 and under. While registering, please email a copy of your student ID or bring the student ID with you on the race day just in case.

Of course. We strive to keep the website updated and free of errors. Please contact us and let us know exactly what is wrong. If we agree, we will correct it as soon as possible. Thank you.

Yes, we issue chips with your bib number at the time of check-in. We use a timer service that posts the race results both on-site and on their website immediately after the race is over. We will post the link on this website and social media; we also will copy and archive the results to this website for convenience and for posterity.

(As of 2024) We're sorry, but the registrations are non-refundable as indicated in the terms and agreement that you digitally agreed to during the online registration. Bear in mind that the proceeds go to charities that we support.

We’re sorry you’re unable to come to the race. Hopefully next year!

Sure! If you registered via Elitefeats, please contact them () with a copy of your registration confirmation email. The original registration will be removed and your replacement will be provided with a code to register via Elitefeats for free instead of your original registration.

We hope you will be able to join us next year!

Yes, there will be a few mile markers. We usually measure the runway about an hour before the race begins.

For the 2024 Race, raffles are available to be purchased on the online race registration.

The best way is to take a subway. Use “A” train from NYC to Howard Beach and then take AirTrain to Federal Circle.

Another way is to take a subway “E” train from NYC to Jamaica Station and then take the AirTrain to Federal Circle.

We have buses at Federal Circle (with signs that say “5K Race”, “Special Event”, or the like) that will take you to Building 14 for the race. After the race, the buses will take you back to the Federal Circle/Air Train and you can go home from there. Here is the link to the subway maps on MTA’s website. (If the link is broken, please let us know.)

Yes, you can! Please we'd appreciate it if you could credit the photos to JFKRotaryClub.org or JFKRunwayRun.org. Thanks.

The photographers who took the pictures are volunteers and most of them are not professionals. They did their best to take clear pictures of everyone, especially at the finish line. Unfortunately, some participants may have been missed due to a variety of reasons, such as the photographer taking a brief break between shots, the shots being too blurry, the participants being hidden behind other participants, and so on. As for there being more pictures of some individuals than others; these are either purely random or taken at the photographer’s discretion.

(As of 2014 and onward) Due to orders from Port Authority of NY & NJ (the airport’s management), we no longer permit photographers/cameras at the race. Only authorized personnel will have cameras.

Yes, several Port-A-Potty stalls will be available for your convenience. They will be situated at the sign-in/staging area as well as near the start/end line on the runway.

(From the 2013 and 2014 races, respectively)

(As of 2014 and onward) While we truly appreciate all of the offers, we must decline. Due to several factors, including the direct orders from the Port Authority of NY & NJ and security, participants and spectators cannot bring their cameras to the race. Only authorized personnel can.

Since our event’s creation, all photographs have been taken with our own authorized staff and will continue as such. Additionally, the purpose of the race is a fundraiser for the JFK Rotary Club, not for the commercial gain of any other entities. Again, we appreciate your offer.

We appreciate your offer, but no thank you. We have already retained a shirt printer.

Yes, the Port Authority buses are accessible for wheelchairs. They are “kneeling buses” which means the buses physically lower themselves to the ground. You can then roll right into the bus.

(As of 2024) We no longer handle registrations by mail. Please use our online registration. Thank you.

Don’t be nervous. This is a fun event! Perhaps our Race Checklist will be of some help. If you have any questions that are not answered in this FAQ page or anywhere else on this website, you can contact us and ask. We’ll try our best to make you feel at ease. Thanks for participating and we hope your experience will be memorable!

Yes, you can.

NOTE: For 2024 race, everyone will get a shirt as long as they registered before the deadline. If you missed it, you may not be able to get a shirt. If you show up on the race day to register, you can ask the staff about your chances of getting a shirt.

We’ve been informed by Port Authority of NY & NJ (the airport management) and the security that fanny packs are not allowed in the race. If you bring it anyway, you may be asked to put it away in a secure holding area that we will be providing (see # 015 above).

For the 2023 Race, water stations will be eliminated. Participants may bring their own water containers with them; there will also be water available after the race. Please don't litter!

Yes, it is highly recommended that you have a photo ID on your person. The only exemptions are minors. However, they can bring their school IDs, just in case.

No. However, you’re welcome to bring it along.

The fund is distributed throughout the following charities, both past and present:

• 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
• General Needs
• J.E.T.S. (Joining Everyone To Share)
• JFK Christ for the World Chapel
• JFK U.S. Customs Explorer Program
• Lupus Foundation
• Our Lady of the Skies
• PALS (Patient Airlift Services)
• Queens Boy Scout Air Explorers
• Queens Center for Progress
• Rotary District 7250 Veteran’s Program
• St. Baldrick’s Cancer Fund
• School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center
• Semantics
• Student Scholarship Aviation H.S.
• Thanksgiving Dinners for Airline Employees needy families

Yes, you can still join. Go to the register booth and sign in.

For the 2024 race, registering on the day of the race will be $45.00 per adult and $30 per under-18.

Foreigners are welcome to register for the race. Please be sure to carry a green card and/or a passport. We look forward to having you at the event!

NOTE: For the 2024 Race, the indoor facilities will be closed. However, you can warm up within the race area, such as while waiting for the bus to take you to the race, or near the start/finish line while waiting for the race to begin. Warm up well and enjoy!

From the 2013 and 2016 races respectively.

We don’t have a consistent course map since it changes every year. Most years we're assigned Runway 13R but the specific runway is not known until the last minute. The Port Authority of NY & NJ (the airport management) and the FAA determine which runway to use before notifying us. If you’re curious, feel free to ask the staff in person when you check in on the race day. They will be happy to let you know which runway is being used.

This is handled on a case by case basis. Please contact us with information about yourself or your group. Thank you very much. Volunteers are a big part of what makes our event a success every year!

Yes, the results can be viewed on your smartphone as soon as the race is over. The results will also be on the time-keeper’s website at the same time which you can view on your smartphone. Additionally, the results will be posted on this website for posterity and convenience (see Race Results).

Bear in mind that anything can happen to delay your flight. However, if your flight does indeed land around or before 7:00 am, you should be able to make it to the race. The registration/sign-in process begins at 7:00 am and ends at 8:15 am, so you need to be there between these times.

Upon your flight’s arrival, take the AirTrain to Federal Circle and then take the bus to the race area. Complete directions can be found above (# 002). There is a maximum of approximately 15-20 minutes wait time for the AirTrain and for the bus (total of no more than 30-40 minutes).

There will be a secure box truck where you can check-in your possessions. (See # 015 above; contains a picture of the truck and security guards.)

Good luck! We hope you make it to the race and enjoy it!

Your concern is perfectly understandable and natural. Rest assured, we always have an ambulance standing by at our race every year. Therefore, the response time is expected to be very quick.

Additionally, we have a few medical clinics within the airport that are open 24/7.

If you have a preexisting medical condition that you think we should be aware of, feel free to contact us and let us know the details. You can also inform a race coordinator in person on the race day.

You can see the ambulance, police, and security vehicles in the background.

It varies every year but on average we expect the bulk of participants to be done by 11:00 am (the race usually starts at 9:00 am) and the whole event wrapped up by noon. We may have an awards ceremony afterward at Building 14, but you can leave right after crossing the finish line. The buses will leave continually as soon as they are filled with people once they finish the race. You may have to wait, but it should not take too long.

Sure! You should have received a confirmation email from Elitefeats.com if your registration was successful. Check your junk/spam inbox as the confirmation email may have ended up there. If no luck, worry not! You can get a new confirmation email sent to you by clicking on "Resend confirmation email" at the top of the registration page. Or try this link: https://events.elitefeats.com/24jfk#resend-conf (for the 2024 race)

If you still encounter issues, please contact for assistance. They'll be able to tell you whether or not you've registered.

Thanks for joining the race! You will not receive information automatically as everything you need to know about the race is on this website. If you have any questions or concerns, please look through this FAQ page; if your question isn’t on it, contact us. As you can see, we try our best to answer every question.

The coordinates for the Building 14 (entrance into parking lot of Building 14) are:

40° 39.201′ N, 73° 48.435′ W
Link to Google Maps
Link to Bing Maps

NOTE: For the 2024 Race, the shirt color is pending.

History:
2016 race shirt: medium blue with yellow ink
2017 race shirt: bright orange with black ink
2018 race shirt: lime green with black ink
2019 race shirt: electric blue with black ink
2022: race shirt: none
2023 race shirt: navy blue with white ink, red with white ink

Six years old (first grade) is very strongly recommended. If you want to bring a much younger child, you can, as long as you’re able to carry them if they’re not able to walk the whole race.

Currently, we are not offering Virtual Race.

We are humans too and we abhor spam emails, so we understand your concern. We will never distribute or sell any email addresses. We do not even spam you with our emails either; we send out only news, announcements, and reminders about the race itself.

Yes, it should be fine.

NOTE: For the 2024 Race, spectators will not be allowed. See # 007.

Folding/portable chairs are not allowed. There may be chairs/benches around Building 14, however, there are no chairs at the race’s location (the runway).

Yes. As a safety’s precaution, one or both of you will need to be with your child and/or keep them in your line of sight at all the times.

For the 2024 race, the bibs will be mailed to the participants in an effort to cut down on gathering on the race day. Anyone that registers late or registers on race day will be able to pick up the bib that day.

All fanny packs, even the slim ones, are not permitted. However, we suggest bringing it anyway and see what the security says. If they don’t approve of it, they will ask you to check it into the secure box truck (guarded by the security guards, so your possessions will be safe; see # 015 above).

After the bus drop-off at the race starting area, there won’t be any provisions to store any items or clothing.

All items and clothing not needed for the race should be stored in the secure holding area near Building 14 before you board the buses to the starting area. (See # 015 above.) The reason is due to airport security.

We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience and hope you understand. Thank you.

NOTE: For the 2024 Race, we will not be offering Virtual Race.

We usually get the confirmation of the race date from Port Authority of NY & NJ (the airport management) in November or December. Just be sure to be on any of our social media (Facebook, Twitter, or mailing list). We announce the date as soon as it’s confirmed.

NOTE: For the 2024 Race, spectators will not be allowed. Your husband and son will need to register for the race to cheer you on. They don't have to do the race but they will still need to register. All registrants will get the shirts.

(As of 2024) We're sorry, but flags are no longer allowed at the race.

Either cotton or dry-fit/Dri-Fit (polyester). Shirts given out during some years after 2017 were dry-fit/polyester.

For 2024: We no longer do paper application form. Please use the online registration. Thank you.

It is dependent on the type of sponsorship plan you chose. Please review the information on the sponsorship form or contact us. Thank you very much for your sponsorship!

For the 2024 Race, we are not allowing table/tent set up.

We have received many questions about setting up a race within an airport. The answers are not only long but varied depending on the airport’s size and other specifications. At the very least, you will need to get the airport’s management, FAA and TSA involved with the race. Also, you may need to purchase an insurance policy to cover your organization and participants.

You can contact us with specific questions and we’d be happy to provide answers. Thank you and good luck!

We're sorry, but you need to use the online registration. If you're worried about using your credit card, you can ask someone you trust to use their credit card and you would pay them directly.

We’re sorry, no. Unicycles or any wheeled transport are not allowed, except wheelchairs. (See questions # 020 and # 021 above.)

(As of 2023) The registrations are now non-refundable. As such, you still should be able to attend the race if nothing was done to your registration. We look forward to having you at the event!

Excellent question! We’ve been doing this race for over 40 years and to our knowledge have never encountered any problems with jet exhausts. Safety is our top priority. Active airplanes are at far enough distance as not to interfere with or endanger our race attendees. You’ll be fine. 🙂

This is an old question. We used to have two separate registrations due to their popularity with runners. Since 2018, there has been only one online registration: Elitefeats

This is on a case by case basis. Contact us with inquiries.

Some pictures are cropped while others are resized so we may or may not have the originals. Let us know exactly which picture you’re referring to and we’ll see what we can do. We do know a graphic artist who may be able to assist you regarding the background. We’re glad you like your picture very much!

Not a problem! We know how annoying and itchy those tags can be. For shirts since 2017 which are the Dri-Fit type and are made of 100% polyester, here’s how to wash them:

• Wash at or below 30°C / 86°F (“Cold” setting)
• Non-chlorine bleach if needed
• Tumble dry, low temperature
• Do not iron
• Do not dry clean

See you next year!

Earplugs are not necessary as it’s not that noisy. However, as the earplugs are small and easy to carry, you’re welcome to bring them. Active airplanes are at far enough distance as not to interfere with or endanger our race attendees in terms of the noise level. (This is similar to question # 080.)

It depends on what service and plan you are using. As such, we cannot give you a definite answer. Please check your service’s coverage. Most networks such as AT&T, Sprint/T-Mobile, and Verizon all have a webpage that shows their coverage; some also show the coverage’s reception strength. Below is an actual example of cell coverage found on T-Mobile’s website in April 2019. The pin is where Building 14 is:

We suggest saving some music on your smartphone to be played offline in the event that the reception is spotty. Happy listening and running!

It being a 5K event, the course is 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles long. Each person’s walking mileage may vary (pun intended) but on average, a leisurely uninterrupted walk would take about 20 minutes per mile, or one hour for 3.1 miles. Add a few minutes if you stop and pose in front of a parked airplane that’s usually at the halfway point!

As for the fastest time, we started keeping records in 2003. The fastest since then are:

Male: 15:19, Nacho Hernando (2017)
Female: 17:44, Meg Ryan (2017)

We’re looking forward to having you join us next year.

The belt should be okay. Bring it anyway and the security will decide whether or not it's allowed. If it's not allowed, you can put it in a secure box truck (# 015) until you're done with the race. Good luck!

We've had people wear tutus and costumes (such as a pilot's costume) in the past. A dinosaur costume would be funny and cool to see running in our race, however, our security will not allow it. You can bring the costume just in case, but if the security still won't allow it, you will need to stow it away in your car or in the storage truck (see # 015 above) before you board the shuttle bus for the runway.

Please refer to #005 above. The race will still go on! In case of potentially severe weather such as lightning, we'll make announcements so please keep an eye on the website and/or social media. There may be last-minute announcement on-site.

(There was an intermittent drizzle during the 2023 race and over 1,500 people participated.)

There may be a bullhorn/speaker making announcements, but no, we do not have live music for the race.

No goodie bags this year (2024). All participants (who opted in) will get a race shirt with sponsors' logos on the back. (While registering online, you will have an option on whether or not to get a shirt.)

For the 2024 Race: Since Elitefeats (our timekeeper) doesn't ship bibs internationally, a US address is indeed required. You can use the address of the place you're visiting or staying at. If for any reason you didn't receive the bib there, explain your circumstances when you go to the check-in area on race day. Be sure to bring your registration confirmation (either on your smartphone or in print). Someone will have a bib printed for you.

The airport security will not allow you (or anyone else who is unauthorized) to do this due to the race being on a runway. All participants must take the shuttle bus. Please refer to question # 007.

For the 2024 race: We suggest going to elitefeats.com and using their chat button ("Leave a Q for elitefeats"). Be sure to provide the same email address you used when you registered and/or provide a confirmation #. They will be happy to have a new bib made and mailed to you or you can pick it up on the race day when you sign in.

(For the 242 race): Great news! You can do it yourself. Here's how:

Scroll to the bottom of your confirmation email, or click here (elitefeats.account.webconnex.com/login), Choose "Claim your account". Log in and then move yourself into the correct team.