5K on the Runway

Registration opens at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 15, 2026.

View registration details

This chip-timed race on runway 10/28 is limited to the first 2,000 registrants.

Race Fee: $60

This is your chance to reach 2,000 race participants, spectators and media at an event that promotes wellness while providing financial investment to programs that assist over 500,000 in Tampa Bay through United Way Suncoast.  Please consider supporting Tampa International Airport’s 5K on the Runway.

Please contact JP Taylor at [email protected] with any sponsorship inquiries. 

Download the Sponsorship Form: 

Interested in volunteering? There are opportunities to sign up for various volunteering positions, including ones out on the actual runway! 

All youth volunteers must be at least 14 years old.  Children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult volunteer at all times.

Each year we raffle off prizes such as airline tickets, TPA model airplanes, and more! Raffle tickets are available for purchase at packet pick-up, on the day of event, and online. 

• $5 each or $20 for 5
• Cash, credit or checks accepted (made to UWS)
• Raffle is open to anyone - you don't have to run to buy raffle tickets
• Proceeds benefit United Way Suncoast
• You don’t need to be present at the 5K to win!

This is a chip-timed race. 

Airplane trophies will be presented to:

• Overall top three men
• Overall top three women
• Overall wheelchair top man, top woman
• Youth division 9 & under; top three girls, top three boys
• Youth division 10-13; top three girls, top three boys
• Youth division 14-18; top three girls, top three boys

Top three women/men in each of the following age divisions will be recognized with a certificate and free race spot in next year's race:

• 19-24
• 25-29
• 30-34
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60-64
• 65-69
• 70-74
• 75-79
• 80+
   

Hillsborough Community College– Dale Mabry Campus
4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd, Tampa 33614
 

We recommend arriving early due to traffic. 

From the HCC parking lot, walk across the street (at the crosswalk) and walk down the sidewalk to the entrance. There will be signs posted as well as event staff to assist you.

Yes, but be sure to arrive early. It gets very busy and lines are long. Gates open at 6 a.m.

Yes! Our Gear Check station will be able to safely store your belongings for you.

No, the event site is not accessible from the airport parking facilities.

How do I sign up for the race? 

You must go to Runsignup to register. Registration opens January 15, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

I registered, but haven’t received my confirmation yet.  

You may have entered an incorrect email address when you registered. Please log back into Runsignup to confirm your registration and contact information.

Is there a group discount available?

No, we do not offer group rates. 

Are wheelchairs able to participate?

Absolutely! When you register, you must check “wheelchair participant”. Please note that the grooves in the runway will make it very challenging for a manual wheelchair.

How old does my child have to be to participate in the 5K?

A child must be able to walk/run the 5K on their own without being carried and have a registered adult with them at all times.

What is a virtual 5K?

A virtual 5K is a race that can be run at any location and at a time of your choosing. You can walk, use a treadmill, run outside or participate in another race. You can run your race at your pace, wherever and whenever, you like.

I am no longer able to participate on the day of the race. Can I transfer my registration to someone else? Or get a refund?

We are sorry you will not be able to participate in the TPA 5K on the Runway.  Unfortunately, registration is non-transferrable and non-refundable.

The website says that the race is sold out. Can I still register?

No. It is limited to 2,000 participants. You can still register for the virtual 5K.

Can I register on the day of the race?

No. The number of runners is limited to the first 2,000 participants. The race fills up quickly, and has sold out prior to race day in all previous years. You will want to register as soon as possible.  

Can I register for the race at bib/shirt pickup or over the phone?

No, you need to register through Runsignup.

I’m registered for the race and would like to have my friend run with me just for the experience. Can non-registered people participate in the race without a bib number?

No, only registered runners with race bibs will be allowed on the runway.

Will the race shirts be dri-fit?

Yes, they will.

Will there be finisher medals?

Yes, every runner completing the race will receive a medal.

 When can I pick up my race packet?

Check your Runner’s Guide for days and times scheduled at SkyCenter One - 5411 SkyCenter Drive (located on Tampa Airport property next to the Cell Phone Lot and Rental Car Center). You can also pick up your packet on race day at the event, however, the registration table closes at 7:00 a.m.

Can I pick up my packet at the Main Terminal?

No. Please see the Runner’s Guide for details as to when and where you can pick up your packet.

Can I pick up another runner’s packet for them?

Yes, but you will need a copy of their driver’s license or Runsignup registration confirmation. If they have not signed their waiver, you will not be able to pick up their packet until the waiver is signed.

Where do I park on race day? Is there a fee to park?

Parking is in designated areas of Hillsborough Community College, which is located at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd. Detailed directions can be found in the Runner’s’ Guide. Parking is free for the event.

Can I register on the day of the race?

No. The number of runners is limited to the first 2,000 participants. The race fills up quickly, and has sold out prior to race day in all previous years. You will want to register as soon as possible.  

What time does the race start? When does the race end?

Arrive by 7:20 a.m. Runners will move to the start line and the race will begin at 8 a.m. and end promptly at 9 a.m.  A courtesy vehicle will be out at 9 a.m. to pick up anyone who has not completed the course. The awards ceremony will begin at 9:10 a.m.

Will this be a chip-timed race?

This race is chip-timed. There is a timing mat at the start of the race and another at the finish line. Overall awards will be based on participants gun time - participant's time from the gun start time to the finish line. Age group awards & ranking will be based on participants chip time - participant's time from when they cross the start line to the time they cross the finish line.

Can we bring friends to cheer us on at the race?

Absolutely! We have a spectator viewing area at the event. They can park at Hillsborough Community College as well. Your guests will also be required to go through security screening to enter the race site. During the race, spectators will be required to stay in the exhibitor area and will not be allowed on the runway. 

Where can I safely store my personal belongings during the race?

Our Gear Check station is available for you to store small items only.  Please leave your valuables at home as we are not responsible for damage or theft.

Will the race continue if it is raining?

The race will continue rain or shine. If the weather is severe, we will send a cancelation update by email and post about the cancelation on our social media pages.

Are we allowed to run in costume?

Yes, you may wear a costume, however there are stipulations.  No masks are allowed and if you are planning on anything protruding from the body, it needs to be within reason and cannot interfere with other runners in any way.