Denver International Airport to host '5K On The Runway' in 2026

The Denver Colfax Marathon, Denver International Airport (DIA) and United Airlines will partner to give runners the unique experience of running a race on an airport runway. The 5K On The Runway is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, when runners will gather at 7 a.m. for a sunrise 5K on a runway at the Denver airport.

The 5K On The Runway was held only one other time in Denver airport's history, in 2022. The last runway race held in 2022 sold out in 13 hours.

Registration for the race began Tuesday at 5 a.m. Organizers said there are only 2,500 spots. Those registered by 5 p.m. Tuesday will get a pair of event aviator sunglasses. Registration is $59 for adults and $49 for youth.

Pre-and post race-day festivities in the United Airlines hangar include a hot breakfast post-race, medal, and runway shirt.

“This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity,” said Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon. “This has happened only one other time in [DIA]'s history, and we can’t wait for runners to fly down the runway in a 5K that’s truly one‑of‑a‑kind.”

The 10th biggest airport in the world, Denver International Airport is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its airline partners to ensure the race will not disrupt service.

"The popularity of this event in 2022 demonstrated the strong connection our community has with [the airport]," said DIA CEO Phil Washington. "After selling out in less than a day during its last run, we are thrilled to once again open our airfield to participants for a unique experience that can only happen at Denver International Airport."