A Record 1,574 Earned Their Wings at the 2023 FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk at Pittsburgh International Airport

September 18, 2023

This family-friendly race offered participants the rare opportunity to be up close to specialized aircraft and equipment as they tested their endurance on the airfield and taxiways of Pittsburgh International Airport.

PITTSBURGH (Sept. 18, 2023) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Perfect weather inspired a record number of 1,574 runners and walkers to race the runway and earn their wings at the 2023 FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk presented by CNX Resources. This family-friendly race offered participants the rare opportunity to be up close to specialized aircraft and equipment as they tested their endurance on the airfield and taxiways of Pittsburgh International Airport.

Families enjoyed the festive atmosphere that included touch-a-truck with airport equipment, face painting, lawn games with Kids of STEEL and a visit from Buzz Lightyear. The relatively flat course inspired fast times with Kartik Kannan, 21, of Pittsburgh and Jennifer Bigham, 42, of Pittsburgh breaking the finisher’s tape in 15:43 and 17:41, respectively.

“I loved my first experience running the FlyBy 5K!” Bigham said. “Running on the airport runway was a first-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I loved the out-and-back nature of the course where everyone could cheer each other on along throughout the race! Being a mom of four kids, I loved all the activities and family focus of this event. This a perfect race to snag a PR, start your road racing journey, or get the whole family involved.”

Proceeds from the FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk benefited the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation. This foundation helps facilitate the comfort of active military personnel and veterans who utilize the airports, as well as coordinates flights for active military members’ families. Since 2016, the event has raised more than $100,000 for the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation.

“Today was a great day for families to get outside and move together,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “It was wonderful to see participants of all ages earning their medals while also making a difference in the community by supporting the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation.”

Click here to view and download photos from the 2023 event. For official results, click here.

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About P3R

P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming – including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more – that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.

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About Allegheny County Airport Authority

Allegheny County Airport Authority, which operates Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader. Pittsburgh International Airport serves nearly 10 million passengers annually on 17 carriers.

The airport was named by Fast Company magazine as One of the Most Innovative Companies in the World as well as a finalist in its World Changing Ideas awards, both in 2020. For more information, visit www.flypittsburgh.com