Museum of Aviation’s Run for Aviation race and fundraiser reach huge milestone 

WARNER ROBINS —  The 30th annual Museum of Aviation’s Run for Aviation race and fundraiser will reach a prestigious milestone this weekend.

According to Museum of Aviation Marketing Director, Lacy Meador, people have traveled all over the state and country to participate in this race. They even have two racers coming from out of the country, so the popularity has spread worldwide. 

“We are so proud to have hosted this for so many years and it is such a big milestone for us, and we’re so grateful for our community,” she said. “I think [Run for Aviation] shows the camaraderie we have with our community with all these people who have supported us year after year with this fundraiser.” 

Run for Aviation is made up into four different races: marathon, half-marathon, 5K run or walk and a para-athletes race. This year, Run for Aviation has 780 runners signed up. Meador said the turnout generally varies year to year, however, those numbers have been gradually going up since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We have seen a steady trend of [the turnout] going right back up again,” she said. 

The Run for Aviation fundraiser directly funds the Museum of Aviation Foundation to keep programs running. This includes their restoration program and National STEM Academy among other projects. 

“780 runners is a massive undertaking, but we are so thankful for their support because all of these funds go back to the mission of the Museum of Aviation to preserve, inspire and educate. Having that support to do those things is tremendous.” 

Meador pointed out this fundraiser also gives them access to new opportunities. 

“We are opening up a new Georgia Engineering AI and Robotics [GEAR] lab, so we will be teaching anyone who is interested in learning about all of that,” she said. 

Leading up to Run for Aviation, the museum had gone through some tough times with the recent government shutdown back in November 2025. 

“To see 780 people coming back through our doors and to run this race is very meaningful,” she said. 

Run for Aviation Marathon is also a Boston marathon qualifier, making the race very sought after in the running community. Meador said the course is also very flat making it easy for beginners. 

“Going through that start and finish line, you’re also running through over 85 plus historic aircraft, missiles and more,” she said.   

Meador thanked Robins Air Force Base and the City of Warner Robins for all that they do for the Museum of Aviation. 

“We’re so grateful for all the support we have around us, and we have a great community that stands behind us,” she said. 

Meador said the times for the Run for Aviation races is currently to be determined due to the weather but the race will still happen rain or shine.