This banner welcomed runners to the race on the longest runway at Tampa International Airport. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Runners of all ages participated in the warm up workout hosted by CRUNCH FITNESS coaches. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

Runners and volunteers could pose at the top of these runway steps before and after the race. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

Get Ready for Take Off!
#TPA5K on the Runway to Benefit United Way Suncoast

This was my first 5K on the Runway, but the 5th time Tampa International Airport (TIA) hosted the event to benefit United Way Suncoast. I prefer longer races, but I'm trying to run in new locations — so this 5K definitely made my to do list!

We arrived as the sun was rising. We walked about a 1/4 mile from the grassy parking lot to the pre-race staging area on the tarmac. Everyone went through security to enter the race.

We watched a FedEx plane approach for landing. When it reached the ground it was so close, I could feel the sound.

The race was limited to 2,000 runners, and it sold out. There was a Virtual Race option. Spectators were welcome. There was a designated spectator area.

No strollers, dogs, rollerblades, skateboards or anything besides feet were allowed on the runway. There was one wheelchair racer.

Local radio station, Mix 100.7 and iHeartRadio played music. The race host broadcast lots of announcements while people were arriving and checking in.

There were several picture spots — airplane steps, helicopter, photo backdrops — where runners took selfies and group shots.

Race management did a great job of keeping everyone occupied and involved pre-race.

What You Need to Know

Cost: Depends on when you register.
Early Registration: $35
After April 10: $40
Virtual Option: $30
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Packet Pickup: Packet pickup was on Wednesday and Thursday at the Cell Phone Waiting Lot at Tampa Airport. On site pickup was available on race morning.
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SWAG: Quality short sleeve tech shirt in green. Ladies was a v neck; mens and kids were round neckline. I received a #TPA5k headband at Wednesday's pickup, plus a voucher for miles on Spirit Airlines.
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Race Day Parking: Parking was FREE in the grass lot adjacent to the airfield. It was a bit of a walk from parking to the start area.
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Race Course

If you're looking for a flat, fast course for your 5K PR, this is the place. It was wide open space with lots of elbow room on a straight forward out and back course. There was a slight incline at the very end.
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It was interesting to see the airport from this point of view. We watched planes taxi away from the gates. I wondered what the passengers thought when they looked out their windows and saw 2,000 people racing on the runway. Note: there was definitely jet fuel in the air near the gates; but it dissipated quickly.
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Pacers: Nope. Good mix of runners and walkers of all ages. 

Aid Stations: Yes. Water at mile 1.5. Lots and lots of water. There were several long banquet tables full of cups, and lots of cheering volunteers handing water to runners.

Timing Chip: Yes. The chip was on the race bib. There was a digital display at the finish. Results were available immediately.

Port-o-lets: I spotted one accessible port-o-let in the parking lot, 18 in the pre-race area and 3 more strategically placed on the way to the starting line.
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Photos

Yes. FREE general and finish line photos were taken by TIA staff. Lots of opportunities for selfies on and off the course. There was an email notification that photos were posted on the TIA facebook page.
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Awards

I wish I was faster because I would love to earn one of the sleek silver airplane trophies given to the top three male and female runners. Smaller trophies were awarded three deep in each age group.

Airplane trophies were very cool. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Pre and Post Race Food

There was a food tent that served food before the race: bananas, water, Body Armor Sports Drink, chips, crackers, cookies, and Onli sparkling water. That was a nice surprise. Pastries were added to the lineup after the race.

After our spin up and down the runway, racers were treated to delicious local fare by restaurants with locations inside the airport. Choices included cuban sandwiches, salads, shrimp and grits, coffee and coffee cake, and more. Supporting restaurants were local favorites: Columbia Cafe, Ulele, Goody Goody Burger and Cafe Con Leche.  

Happy Surprise(s)

Tampa Police did a cool fly over in their helicopter. They landed before the race and let runners take selfies.

There was a raffle $5 each or $20 for 5 tickets; prizes were two round trip airline tickets, or an travel inspired gift basket. Anyone could enter the raffles. Winners were drawn at the end of the race.

Bonus: We scored some nice luggage tags from the Delta Airlines tent.
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Weather Report

It was cloudy weather, which was perfect for a run on unshaded tarmac. The 8 am start time was okay because the weather cooperated.
-> Partly cloudy
-> 72% humidity; nice breezes
-> Temps were low 70s

You should expect security checks at an airport race, right? There were drug sniffing dogs and metal detector wands. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

Runners walked from the pre-race area to the runway for the start of the race. Spectators stayed in the viewing area where they could watch the beginning and end of the race. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

And they're off! It was definitely a flat, fast course with no obstacles. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

This Mix on Wheels mobile sound machine played music before the race, AND was out on the runway to encourage runners during the last mile. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

Race results were available immediately. Results were online, too. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

Enthusiastic volunteers waved signs and gave out water on the race course. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

All finishers received this fun medal with a dangling airplane. Awards for overall and age group winners were flying airplane trophies. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Wow, did we have choices for refueling after the race. Airport restaurants served delicious local fare. (Photo credit: Tampa International Airport 5K on the Runway)

Runners assemble at the starting line to listen to announcements and the National Anthem. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

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​Race Rating: A+

We watched planes land and take off from the pre-race staging area. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Racers in the pre-race area before the race. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Runners received this lightweight tech shirt and a bib with a timing chip. I snagged a headband and a Spirit Airlines coupon at Wednesday's pick up session. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

My Race Recap

This race delivered on all fronts. Great location, organized, free parking, fast course, fuel before and after the race.

I also think this was a good race for my spectator since it was a short race in a unique location.

Everything a runner could want or need was provided in the staging area: packet pick up, bag check, drinks, food, picture spots, giveaway goodies, music, warm up workout, and new views. It was fun to watch (and listen) as planes landed.

We were lucky to have cloudy weather and low humidity. I heard it's been very cold in the past. I can imagine it could be super hot on a cloudless warm day. 

The race website is top notch. It has all the information you need, plus a downloadable #TPA5K Runners Guide that clearly outlined security measures and rules; no strollers or pets allowed.

If you're looking for a 5K PR, give this event a try. Even if you don't run your fastest race, I'm sure you'll enjoy the event. 

The Mix on Wheels mobile sound machine played lots of music to energize the runners before, during and after the race. That's right, it was ON the course encouraging runners in the last mile!
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Thanks to all the volunteers. There were plenty of volunteers on the course handing out water and holding fun signs.

The race sent a survey by email a few days after the event asking for feedback. I get the impression they will review comments and improve their already fine event.

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#SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun — There was a firetruck shooting a huge stream of water to mark the course turn around. It was a great visual for runners. I'm sure everyone wondered, as I did, if we were going to get wet! We didn't — the hose was aimed so it arched over the course and watered a near by grassy area.  #TPA5K

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