On Sept. 13, there will be actual running on the runway at Midway Airport. The third annual Midway Fly Away 5K Run/Walk will bring runners (and walkers) to the airport in an event that raises money for local Special Olympics programs and athletes.
Pam Munizzi, one of the event organizers, is a Special Olympics coordinator in Chicago Public Schools. She said in its first two years, the race has raised more than $60,000 for Special Children’s Charities, the fundraising arm of Special Olympics Chicago.
“A lot of people do it because it’s a great cause and a fun event,” Munizzi said. “A lot of teachers and coaches do if for their (Special Olympics) teams.” Some of the runners are athletes in Special Olympics, too, she said.
Runners must register on line for the event by Thursday at sochicago.org. Participants may also set up a fundraising page to encourage others to donate. While the Fly Away 5K is a family-friendly event, only walking or running on the field is allowed. Strollers and other wheels are not permitted.
The gates to the Southwest Airlines hangar, 5035 W. 55th St., open at 8 a.m. Free parking is available across the street in the Midway economy lot. Raffles and family activities will take place in the hangar.
Munizzi said that organizers with Special Children’s Charities talked with Midway representatives, as the airport looked for new ways it could be involved in community events.
“It worked out. It’s incredible to be on the airfield, which John Q. Public doesn’t usually get to go,” Munizzi said. “The views are incredible.”
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Munizzi said that many fundraising runs and events like the Polar Plunge, take place near the lakefront, but there aren’t many on the southwest side.
No one’s trip to Florida will be affected by the run. It takes place on a Sunday morning, when there is less air traffic, on an unused runway, said Erin O’Donnell, managing deputy commissioner for Midway. The run is co-sponsored by the Chicago Department of Aviation and Southwest Airlines.
“Air traffic operations continue as normal,” O’Donnell said, and the aviation department works with the TSA and FAA. “It’s a great experience. People get to run on a taxiway.”
And yes, it’s safe, O’Donnell said: “Planes and people do not interact.”
It will be safe, but not quiet. While there will be face painting, balloon animals and refreshments for sale in the hangar, Munizzi notes that it’s very loud. Planes still zoom overhead. It may be too much for some, although ear plugs will be handed out, she said.
“The kids get such a kick out of it,” Munizzi said.
In addition to pre-race raffles, runners who raise more than $250 will be entered into a drawing for airline tickets, and first-place runners will wine prize packages. New this year is a “midway” prize, two airline tickets for the runner who places in the middle of the race. O’Donnell said she is expecting about 800 runners this year.
Special Olympics Chicago sponsors about 30 events a year, involving about 5,000 athletes with mental or developmental disabilities participating in a range of sports and other recreational activities.
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Third Annual Midway Fly Away 5K Run/Walk
When: 9 a.m. Sept. 13
Fee: $40 adults, $20 for runners 16 and younger. Registration must be completed online and in advance by Sept. 10 at www.sochicago.org. No walk-ons permitted.
Information: www.sochicago.org