News and Press
DENVER – July 21, 2026 – Denver International Airport (DEN), United Airlines and the Denver Colfax Marathon, will host the second-ever “5k on the Runway” on Sept. 12, 2026. The race will take place on one of DEN’s six runways and offer 2500 runners a rare opportunity to run on the airfield of one of the world’s busiest airports.
“The popularity of this event in 2022 demonstrated the strong connection our community has with DEN. After selling out in less than a day during its last run, we are thrilled to once again open our airfield to participants for a unique experience that can only happen at Denver International Airport,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington.
United Airlines is the presenting sponsor of the event and will host a hot post-race breakfast and other festivities at the United hangar. Participants will also receive a runway-themed shirt and airplane medal.
Those who wish to participate are encouraged to register now as space is limited. Runners who register by 5p.m. today will receive a pair of branded aviators. Registrants must be 8 years of age or older to participate, and all participants must be off the runway within one hour of the start of the race. Registration is $59 for adults and $49 for youth ages 8-17.
“This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity,” said Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon. “This has happened only one other time in DEN’s history, and we can’t wait for runners to fly down the runway in a 5K that’s truly one‑of‑a‑kind.”
DEN is working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration and its airline partners to ensure operations at DEN will not be impacted during the event. DEN’s six runways give the airport the ability to temporarily close runways and still have the capacity needed to operate normally. Additionally, the race will begin at 7 a.m., with all participants off the runway by 8 a.m., allowing DEN to resume full operations in time for the morning peak of flights starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Learn more about the Denver Colfax Marathon at runcolfax.org.
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.
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