Museum of Aviation hosts 29th annual Run for Aviation

WARNER ROBINS — The Museum of Aviation hosted their 29th annual Run for Aviation marathon, half-marathon, 5k and para athletes races on Saturday, Jan. 18. 

Director of Marketing Lacey Meador said these races bring the community together in unity by promoting health while also celebrating aviation history. 

She also mentioned Run for Aviation being a huge fundraiser for the museum. 

“Not only do we raise money to sustain our mission and our restoration efforts in keeping history alive, but we’re also doing incredible things through our National STEM Academy educational programs along with lots of outreach opportunities in the public by teaching children, teachers and even adults in all the areas of science, technology and mathematics,” she said. “[Run for Aviation] allows us to sustain our mission and keep that educational program going.”

According to Meador, the 29th annual Run for Aviation had 749 racers registered and also had some running virtually. 

“[Those running virtually], go out and run their race, keep track of their time and submit it, so technically they are still running for aviation, but they’re doing it from the comfort of wherever they live,” she said. 

Run for Aviation also gets many racers from out of state that come to the race in-person. Meador mentioned this race is a Boston Marathon qualifier and has had multiple racers qualify. 

“We had about 50 more participants than we did last year, and we’re just looking forward to seeing this race grow, especially with next year being our 30th annual,” she said. “We’re just thankful for our community support coming out and running, rain or shine.”

Run for Aviation partnered with the movie Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg. Meador said the movie’s marketing team reached out to them and thought their movie ties in really well with Run for Aviation. 

Meador also wanted to thank their presenting sponsor Atrium Health and the many sponsors who helped make this race happen. 

“Without [Atrium Health] and without our many, many other sponsors, this race would not be put on, so we’re just grateful for their support,” she said. 

The medals the winners received showcased a C-47 A. Meador said this aircraft is very special to the Museum of Aviation. 

“We got this aircraft in from a small museum in Alaska, and came to find out, this particular aircraft participated in D-Day as it dropped 17 paratroopers that particular night, and it also participated in the [Siege of] Bastogne” she said. 

Meador also wanted to thank the many volunteers who helped out with the races. 

“Thank you to all of the sponsors who came out to do everything from packing race bags to providing medical attention if needed, to picking up food for the runner,” she said. “There’s all sorts of jobs that a race of this magnitude entails and we’ve had so many people who have reached out and wanted to help.”