Friday's Featured 5k of the Week - Midway Fly Away 5k

Did you know that all 3 of Chicago's airports have 5Ks?  Did you know Chicago has 3 airports?  Well, it doesn't, but the one in Wheeling, IL is called "Chicago Executive Airport".   However, that's off-topic - as this is about the 5k at Midway Airport on Chicago's southwest side.

This is a very well organized event and is perfect for seasoned runners, new runners, and walkers alike.  If you are going for speed, this is a great course, being on airport tarmacs, it's as flat as flat can be - and flat=fast.

Parking for the event is literally directly across the street from the entrance point - a Southwest Airlines hangar.  After parking, participants cross the street and enter the hanger, lots of signs and people helping out.  The pre-race takes place inside the hangar, and a little outside of it too.  The year I went there was a Southwest jet inside the hangar - participants are not allowed to get to close to it, for security reasons, but you can stand within 15 feet and really appreciate the size of a jet.

While in the hangar, there is plenty of pre-race food and drink and a few booths.  There is also a rather large raffle that participants can enter, with several available prizes of varying value.  Prior to the race a few dignitaries made some speeches and Wayne Messmer sang the National Anthem.  Talk about a treat!!!!

The course begins (and ends) just outside the hangar on airport property.  One the runners start they run past 2 or 3 other airplanes that are parked in the area and then along much of the perimeter of Midway Airport - all the while jets are arriving and departing overhead.  (which for me, slowed my pace a bit as I had to look up and watch them directly overhead!)   At one point the course actually exits Midway's property through a secure gate and runs on a temporarily closed Chicago side street - at which point the turn-around occurs for the out-and-back course.  I always like these tight quarter turn-arounds because it really shows the camaraderie of runners - as they high-five people heading the opposite direction.

The course then returns onto airport property - and participants' bibs MUST be visible, as that  provides he necessary security check.  As participants approach the finish line they get to run down a corridor of parked planes to the finish.

Back inside, more food and drink - and the raffle prizes are drawn.

This race usually occurs in September - the 2015 site is not yet up - but keep your eyes open for it.