Charlotte’s most coveted airport race is preparing for another takeoff: registration for the 2026 CLT Runway 5K opens at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, with only 1,600 spots available. Last year’s field disappeared in under three hours, so the runway may be easier to conquer than the signup page.
The 19th annual race is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. CLT Airport’s announcement encouraged runners to set their alarms after the 2025 event sold out almost immediately.
What Runners Need To Know
Participants will park at Charlotte Premium Outlets and ride buses to the secure airfield, with the first bus leaving at 5:15 a.m. and the last one departing at 6:45 a.m. The Race Roster listing says runners must register to participate, adults 18 and older must show a matching REAL ID or passport, and children 12 and under must run with a registered adult.
Standard 5K registration is listed at $44.79 through Oct. 3, rising to $50.14 from Oct. 4 through Oct. 14; the under-12 rate is $39.44. The race does not offer refunds, although registration transfers are allowed through Oct. 10, and runners cannot bring bags into the event except for diaper bags, which may be searched.
The race is more than an unusually scenic morning jog. According to a CLT Airport press release, proceeds support Airport Opportunity Scholarships at Central Piedmont Community College for Mecklenburg County students pursuing aviation-related careers.
Last Year’s Race Set A High Bar
The 2025 Runway 5K sold out in less than three hours, drew more than 1,600 participants and raised $90,930 for the scholarship program, the airport reported in its race recap. Since 2019, the event has generated more than $317,000 for Central Piedmont scholarships, with 30 Mecklenburg County students receiving support.
CLT describes the course as flat, fast and entirely on runways and taxiways, with aircraft potentially queuing, taking off and landing nearby. The airport also says the route is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, making this one of the few races where checking the wind direction is probably less important than checking your registration confirmation.
