Third Annual Midway Fly Away 5K Takes Off Sept. 13

Photo: The third annual Midway Fly Away 5K returns Sept. 13 at Chicago Midway International Airport.

Fly away with the big jets at Chicago Midway International Airport in one of the city’s most unique charity races.

The third annual Midway Fly Away 5K Run/Walk returns September 13, offering runners and walkers of all fitness levels the opportunity to walk directly on the airfield of Midway International Airport.

A race like no other in the city, the Midway Fly Away 5K Run/Walk offers stunning views of Chicago’s skyline as the backdrop, complete with jumbo jets taking off and landing overhead. The Midway Fly Away 5K will once again benefit Special Children’s Charities/Special Olympics Chicago.

A variety of pre-race activities, including raffles with amazing prizes, as well as a myriad of family activities such as face painting, balloon animals, and much more, will take place at the event hangar on the airfield.

Registration is $40 for adults and $20 for children 16 and under. Registration is now open through September 10 by visiting www.sochicago.org.

At that website, participants can create a personal fundraising page where supporters can make tax deductible donations. Registration must take place in advance of the event. On-site registration will not be available.

The Midway runner, the person who places in the middle of the race, will also win Southwest Airlines tickets. Those who raise more than $250 will automatically be entered to win two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States that Southwest Airlines flies – with no restrictions or blackout dates.

First place male and female winners will also be awarded a prize package. New this year, medals will be awarded to the first, second and third place male and female winners in a variety of age groups. All registered participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Doors to the Southwest Airlines hangar will open at 7 am. The Southwest Airlines Hangar is located at 5035 West 55th Street at Midway Airport. Upon arrival, participants will be shuttled to the event hangar on the airfield.

All participants are required to bring a photo id for check-in, and must arrive before 8:30 am. Shuttle service will end promptly at 8:30 am. No backpacks/bags will be allowed on the course, however, there will be gear check available the day of the race. No “wheels,” including strollers, bicycles, tricycles, rollerblades, inline skates, will be allowed on the airfield.

Free parking will be available for all participants in the Midway Airport Economy Parking lot, located across the street from the Southwest Airlines Hangar, at 5050 West 55th Street.

Special Olympics was born in Chicago at Soldier Field 47 years ago, in 1968. The Chicago program is now the largest in the State of Illinois. Today, there are more than 4.2 million athletes that take part in Special Olympics programs internationally.

The Midway Fly Away 5K is presented by the Chicago Department of Aviation at Midway International Airport, Southwest Airlines, and the city of Chicago.

Keep up with the latest developments on the Midway Fly Away 5K Facebook page.