Paws, Planes, and Personal Bests: Join Us ON the Runway!

ALBUQUERQUE — One of the city’s most anticipated and unconventional charity events is around the corner! The inaugural Run the Runway and Mutt Strut 5K — hosted by the Sunport in partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 179 — will take off Saturday, September 6, at Double Eagle II (DEII) Airport. The event will also feature food trucks, music, and an awards ceremony after the race. Note: This race was rescheduled from its original date of April 19.

“Where else can you run with planes and pups?” said EAA Chapter 179 President Joyce Woods. “This Run the Runway and Mutt Strut is all about fun, community, and giving back. We can’t wait to see you there!”

This one-of-a-kind event lets participants hit the runway for a fun and meaningful cause, raising money for both the City’s Animal Welfare Department (AWD) and the EAA’s scholarship program. A custom event t-shirt is included with registration.

Participants can run or walk the DEII 17-35 runway, which will be temporarily closed to aircraft during the event; nearby runway 4-22 will remain active. Following the main 5K, the Mutt Strut lets attendees walk the course with their own dogs or with adoptable shelter pets. AWD will also provide free pet ID tags and vouchers for free microchips.

“We’re thrilled to host this exciting event,” said Aviation Director Richard McCurley. “Run the Runway and Mutt Strut offer a unique way to experience our airport up close, showcase aircraft, support animal welfare, and celebrate aviation and community spirit all at once. We encourage everyone — runners, walkers, and pet lovers alike — to join us for a memorable day on the airfield.”

Registration opens at 10 a.m., and the race begins at 11 a.m. Come for the run, stay for the fun! Register online here: runsignup.com/Race/NM/Albuquerque/RunTheRunwayMuttStrut5K

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About Double Eagle II Airport
Double Eagle II (DEII) Airport is Albuquerque’s premier general aviation facility, located on the city’s west side atop the West Mesa. Situated approximately eight miles north of Interstate 40, the airport sits at an elevation of 5,834 feet above sea level. DEII supports a diverse range of aviation activity, including training, military operations, air ambulance services, charter, private, and corporate aviation. With approximately 240 based aircraft and more than 120,000 annual operations, DEII plays a vital role in the regional transportation network and the broader New Mexico aviation system.

About The Experimental Aircraft Association & Chapter 179
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) was founded in 1953 by people interested in building their own airplanes. Today, EAA is a community of recreational pilots, aircraft builders, and aviation enthusiasts, dedicated to sharing a love of aviation. The Albuquerque EAA Chapter (EAA 179) promotes aviation safety and education, introduces youth to aviation, and serves the general aviation community. Each year, volunteers provide free Young Eagles flights for youth (ages 8-17), conduct a Double Eagle Aviation Academy for teens, award over $35,000 in aviation scholarships, and host the “Land of Enchantment Fly-In,” a public open house at Double Eagle II Airport. EAA 179 is a 501c(3) tax exempt charitable organization, recognized by EAA as a Gold Chapter for their outstanding commitment.