Marathon partners with 10th busiest airport in the world for unique 5K
Denver, CO – Ready for takeoff! The Denver Colfax Marathon “5K On The Runway” will give runners an opportunity of a lifetime: running on the runway at the 10th busiest airport in the world. Denver International Airport (DEN) will host the exceptional 5K experience this September. This unique event generated so much excitement, it completely sold out in just 6 hours.
“This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity,” said Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon. “DEN is opening the airfield for runners to feel the thrill of flying down the runway like they’re pilots. No one ever gets to experience an airport like this and we’re so excited to give runners this chance in Colorado.”
This 5K allows 2500 participants to experience Denver International Airport in a way that is usually reserved for pilots. Runners will start their race with airport operations personnel waving them onto the runway at 7 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026. They will run the 5K on a runway they’ve only ever traveled on as passengers in an airplane.
The marathon and DEN have collaborated on a runway 5K only once before in 2022 and that race sold out in 13 hours. This year, the “5K On The Runway” experience reached capacity in just 6 hours after registration opened.
United Airlines, the presenting sponsor, will host a party in the main United Airlines hangar for all 5k runners. Runners will receive airport themed aviators, a runway-themed shirt designed by the airport, and a 3D modeled medal. They will also enjoy a hot breakfast in the hangar while being entertained by Denver’s favorite DJ.
The “5K On The Runway” complements the annual Denver Colfax Marathon weekend that takes place each May. Registration for the 2027 marathon weekend opens in August. Learn more at www.runcolfax.org.