Fredericton International Airport welcoming 325 runners for the YFC Runway Run
On Saturday, May 28, 325 runners will take off on the runways of the Fredericton International Airport to raise money and awareness for mental health.
The YFC Runway Run, organized in partnership with the Capital City Road Runners, sold out just seven weeks after registration opened. To make sure the entire community is able to enjoy the event, organizers have included a family expo from 10am until 2pm, which is open to the public. Everyone is invited out to the airport for the festivities and to cheer on the runners when they take off at 1:15pm.
The race and accompanying expo are an opportunity for the airport to welcome the community to see the airport’s facilities from a new perspective, says organizing committee member and Fredericton International Airport Authority (FIAA) communications officer, Kate O’Rourke. “This event is truly about connecting with, and giving back to, our community. It’s a fun and active day for the whole family.”
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association Flight #2 has partnered with the airport authority to organize a static aviation display, which means the public has special access to the apron during the family expo to see planes and helicopters, as well as meet pilots.
Indoor activities are hosted in the pavilion, an area most travellers don’t see unless they’re returning from an international flight. There will be games, facepainting, a BBQ, flight simulators, and more!
Admission and parking are free, although the airport authority does encourage visitors to donate to the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick (CMHA of NB), the designated charity for the 2016 YFC Runway Run.
This year’s run has already surpassed the $20,000 raised last year for the CMHA of NB.
“We’re seeing individuals and families who have been impacted by mental illness really rallying around the race as an opportunity to make a difference,” says Lori Wheeler, Manager of Fund Development, Marketing and Promotion for CMHANB.
For more information about the family expo, visit the Fredericton International Airport website, and follow the YFC Runway Run on Twitter for race-day updates.
The Fredericton International Airport serves 350,000 passengers annually and offers direct flights to the major hubs of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax, along with seasonal service to sun destinations.