On May 26, the Fredericton International Airport (YFC) once again opened up its runways for the YFC Runway Run, raising over $32,000 to support mental health. This was the fourth such event and in total the YFC Runway Run has raised over $114,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick (CMHA of NB).

Saturday’s event included a 5k race giving 400 runners the chance to take off on YFC’s runways, which were temporarily closed to air traffic, making for a memorable and unique race. Nikolay Ryabkov won the race with a time of 18:16, and Rebecca Dolson was the first-place female finisher with a time of 19:34.

It wasn’t all warm-ups and PR’s (runner lingo for “Personal Records”), though, as the Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA) paired the running event with an aviation expo open to the public. With a chance to go “airside” and get an up close look at airplanes and the equipment that keeps the airport running smoothly, the expo was once again a hit with kids and adults alike.

Working with staff from the Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA), the race is organized by local running club Capital City Road Runners while the Community Day and Aviation Expo is led by the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association Flight 2 and the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick.

Event organizer and FIAA Communications Officer Kate O’Rourke says, “Community is the heart of our business, and this chance to give something back is important. The YFC Runway Run is an incredible opportunity to come together with our neighbours and travelers, welcoming them behind the scenes at the airport. We’re grateful to our volunteers, staff, runners, sponsors, and the partners who help to organize this event for making it possible.”

The funds raised allow the CMHA of NB to offer more programming for youth and adults in New Brunswick especially around the issues of suicide awareness, anxiety, and depression.

The airport authority thanks Corena Walby, Lee Colter, Kent Carswell, and Angela Pond for their invaluable assistance serving on the organizing committee for this year’s event, as well as all of the many volunteers and sponsors who helped to make the event possible.

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The Fredericton International Airport (YFC) serves approximately 398,000 passengers annually and offers direct daily service to the major hubs of Toronto (Pearson and Billy Bishop), Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax, along with seasonal service to the popular sun destinations Cancun, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. Through direct, indirect, and induced economic activity, YFC generates 662 jobs, $38.8 million in GDP, and $25.8 million in labour income for New Brunswick every year.