The 2022 JFK Run the Runway 5K was once again held live after a two-year hiatus. The JFK Rotary Club and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) were delighted to welcome runners, walkers, aviation enthusiasts, colleagues, friends, and family to experience an iconic moment out on the runway at JFK International Airport.
Every year since 1972, a worthy organization has benefitted from the proceeds; this year, the beneficiary is General Needs LTD. They provide assistance to local homeless Veterans as they transition back to work and into homes. The remainder of the proceeds allows the JFK Rotary Club to continue its support for many other local organizations throughout the year, including the Saratoga Inn Family Shelter, Aviation High School, USO of Metro NY, School Sisters of Notre Dame, and local elementary schools.
This year’s 5k was attended by more than 1,300 participants from every age group and ability. It was indeed a wonderful sight to see all the smiling faces and the people of the airport community getting together to share in this thrilling event. None of it is possible without the JFK-based PANYNJ team and Federal partners.
So many things happen behind the scenes to ensure the event is fun and safe for everyone involved, including volunteers from the JFK Rotary Club, CUNY York College, Aviation High School, Farmingdale State College, and Vaughn College, arriving at 6:00 AM on race day to get set up to welcome the runners.
This year’s sponsors included: Unity Electric, API, LaGuardia Gateway Partners, WFS, ASAK Solutions, HNTB, Duty Free Americas, DH2 Chauffeured Transportation, VRH Construction, Atlas Air, ABM, Russo’s on the Bay, and Aqueous Solutions. Other corporate contributors to the event include Metropolitan Airport News, Snowlift, Vinny’s Panini, JFKIAT, Wingtips Lounge, TNT Construction, CLPA, Work N Wear, KAAMCO, Ship My Bike, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue.
It takes a lot of coordination, participation, and love for the event to make it a success. And all those things came together to ensure the JFK Rotary Club can continue its mission to help those in need within the airport and aviation community.
