Photo of the Week: Race Across the Runway
By BlueSkyStaff
Published September 18, 2023
Read Time: 2 mins
For one day a year, a runway at Pittsburgh International Airport is clear of air traffic and replaced by foot traffic.
People from across the country raced on PIT’s airfield Saturday as part of the 7th annual FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk – a special event that gives runners a backstage view of the airport.
This year, 1,575 runners and walkers participated in the event, breaking the record and setting the highest attendance count in the event’s history.
The attendance count wasn’t the only record broken this year. Male 5K winner Kartik Kannan, 21, completed the race in 15:42, making him the fastest FlyBy 5K runner ever. This year’s female winner was Jennifer Bigham, 42, who was only about two minutes behind, with a 17:41 minute time that broke the previous women’s record of 18:14. In third place, 29-year-old Sarel Urso managed to complete the 5K with a 19:43 time, all while pushing her two kids in a stroller.
This year, participants raced alongside specialty aircrafts, including a Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. A “touch a truck display” invited attendees to explore specialty vehicles like aircraft fire trucks and county emergency vans.
Before the race, children lined up to have their faces painted, some with aviation-themed designs. Then they greeted Buzz Lightyear for photos. Runners were also welcome to fuel up thanks to the on-site Urban Trail Coffee Co. and Kona Ice trucks.
The event is organized by the Allegheny County Airport Authority and P3R. Proceeds from the event benefit the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation. Last year, P3R donated $32,700 to the foundation.
For official results from the race, click here. Check out the slideshow below from Blue Sky News photographer Beth Hollerich, who captured the day’s fun in photos.
Our readers continue to pass along shots of unique aircraft, international airports, historical events, gorgeous views and even family vacation photos for this feature. We love them! Keep them coming—you can click here for submission guidelines.
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