Lace up your running shoes and head to the tarmac. The Plymouth Runway Mile & 5K returns on Saturday, June 13, giving runners and walkers the rare chance to race on an actual airport runway — all while supporting a good cause.

The event takes place at Plymouth Municipal Airport, 301 Airport Road, with the runway closed to aircraft for the duration of the event so participants can take full advantage of the course. Expect fast times, food trucks, airplanes, helicopters, and plenty of aviation-themed fun.

• 9:00 AM — Plymouth Runway Mile (1-Mile Run/Walk)
• 10:00 AM — Plymouth Runway 5K

Both races start on the south side of the main airport building. Participants will run on the newly constructed taxiway for a half mile before turning onto the runway itself. The Runway Mile finish line closes at 10:00 a.m., while the 5K finish line closes at 11:00 a.m., with awards immediately following.

Both races are competitively chip-timed with overall and age group awards. Strollers are welcome, though any child completing the course under their own power must be registered.

Can't choose between the Mile and the 5K? Sign up for the Plymouth Runway Challenge and run both! Challenge participants receive a custom finisher medal at the 5K finish line and remain eligible for overall and age group awards in both races.

Top finishers in both the Mile and 5K will earn cash prizes:

• 1st Place: $100
• 2nd Place: $50
• 3rd Place: $25

Cash awards go to the top 3 male and female finishers in each race. Overall award winners are excluded from age group awards. Age group awards are also given to the top 3 finishers in each category for both races.

The Plymouth Runway Mile and 5K isn't just about racing — it's about helping the next generation of pilots take flight. All proceeds benefit AlphaFlight, a locally owned flight school based at Plymouth Municipal Airport. Flight training is one of the biggest financial hurdles aspiring pilots face, and proceeds from this event go directly toward scholarship opportunities for students pursuing their dream of becoming a pilot.

Registration is available exclusively through RunSignup. Sign up before June 12th to save. Registration closes 15 minutes before the start of each race.

Due to limited parking at the airport, on race day, Saturday, participants and spectators should park at Plymouth High School, 1 Big Red Drive, where shuttle buses will transport them to the airport.

In addition to the racing, the event will feature numerous aircraft — including airplanes and helicopters — on display for participants and spectators to enjoy. Helicopter rides will also be available for a fee.

For updates, follow the event on Facebook at "Plymouth Runway Mile & 5K" or email questions to plymouthrunwaymile@gmail.com.