The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) kicked off its first-ever MIA Runway 5K Airport Series on Saturday, March 19, with more than 400 runners and walkers pounding the pavement at Miami-Opa locka Executive Airport (OPF) to make strides against breast cancer.
The proceeds from registrations and sponsorships for the series, which totaled $17,500, will benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and MDAD Director and CEO Ralph Cutié blew airhorns to start the inaugural race at the general aviation airport, which closed one of its runways to private jets and student pilots so 5K participants could take flight there instead.
The series will continue on October 29 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a larger race at Miami International Airport.
Following the success of the inaugural MIA Runway 5K in October 2020, MDAD expanded the event to two races this year.
Participants paid $50 for Saturday’s 5K or $60 for both the OPF and MIA races.
Sponsors and supporters included Signature Flight Support, Atlantic Aviation, Silver Lining Inflight Catering, The Miami Cancer Institute, Catalina Aerospace Corporation, and the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department and Solid Waste Department.
To register for the MIA Runway 5K on October 29 or to learn more, visit the MIA Runway 5K Airport Series website.
