Q: Do I need to be a professional runner to participate? 

A: This is a fun event for everyone. Registration and fee payment is required, but no skill is necessary! Walking is also a very good option.

Q: How do I register?
A: Event registration is through the Running Room. Online registration is required in advance. Due to security requirements we cannot accommodate people on site who have not pre-registered.

Q: What happens after I complete my online registration?
A: After online registration is completed, participants will get a confirmation email from the Running Room website. The week leading up to the Runway Run, participants will get an email from Toronto Pearson giving details about advance race kit pick-up and race day logistics.

Q: What happens if I want to register a family that is more or less than four people?
A: Families can register for the 2 km walk. This family fee will cover up to four participants. If there are more than four people in the family, there is an additional registration charge per extra person, up to a maximum of six people.

Q: How many people do I need to register as a team?
A: A 5 km team needs a minimum of two people and can hold a maximum of 10 people.

Q: Who qualifies as a corporate team?
A: Any company that can get 10 people together can run or walk as a team. They would register under the 5 km Team section on the Running Room website.

Q: What if I just want to be a spectator?
A: In order to watch the event, you must be registered. You are not required to complete the course, but as a registrant, you will then be allowed access to the course, which makes for easier viewing! If you are unable to register, you will only be allowed as far as the sheltered building. Due to security requirements we cannot accommodate people on site who have not pre-registered.

Q: Can I pick up my race kit in advance?
A: Yes, race kits can be picked up in advance of the event at the GTAA Administration building, 3111 Convair Drive, Mississauga, ON, L5P 1B2.
 

• Wednesday June 20 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m
• Thursday June 21 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m
• Friday June 22 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

We encourage all participants to pick up their race kits in advance if possible to cut down long waits on the day of the race.

Q: What size t-shirt can I get?
A: If you are registering in the 5 km run, you will have the option of men’s sizes S – XL and women’s sizes XS – L for your technical running shirts.

If you are registering for the 2 km walk, you will have the option of men’s sizes S – XXL and kids size 6.

Q: Is there any way to have my race timed?
A: Participants in the 5 km run will have chip timing available.
 

Q: How can I get to the race location? 

A: The Run takes place on Runway 24L/6R, but kick-off starts at our Airside Maintenance Facility (AMF) – we’ll then escort you out on the runway.

The AMF is located at 3045 Electra Court. There will be plenty of signage once on site to direct you to parking.

Mississauga Transit or Toronto Transit (TTC) will take you to the corner of Convair Drive and Renforth Drive. From there it is about a seven minute walk to the building location.

Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, free parking is available on site. Participants may have to park a short distance away from the building. Space does fill up quickly so carpooling is recommended.

Q: What can I expect the day of the race?
A: First and foremost, you can expect to have a fun time and to see some planes.

You should also come prepared to participate in a large group setting.

The morning starts off with all participants gathering in a large building where there will be a warm up and welcome ceremony. You will also be able to enjoy some music while you have food and refreshments, visit some booths, pick up race kits (if you haven’t already), and complete the check-in process.

Once the race or walk begins, all registered participants will be escorted out to the southern-most runway here at Toronto Pearson to get ready for the start of the race.
After the race has been completed there will be the raffle draw and prizes awarded to those who won.

Q: What happens if it rains on race day?
A: The Runway Run can take place if it rains; however, it may be delayed by up to two hours. After two hours, the run will be cancelled. The postponement will be communicated day of on the Toronto Pearson Runway Run website, as well as through Toronto Pearson Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Q: What happens if there is a thunderstorm on race day?
A: If there is lightning or any unsafe weather conditions the run will be cancelled altogether. If there is a cancellation, it will be communicated day of on the Toronto Pearson Runway Run website as well as through Toronto Pearson Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Q: If the race is cancelled, will my registration fees be refunded?
A: The registration fees are a charitable donation to Hope Air. If the race is cancelled, your funds are still considered a donation and will not be refunded. Charitable donation receipts will not be given out for registration fees.

Q: What is the official measurement of the course?
A: The runners will complete a 5 km marked course, while the walkers will complete a 2 km course. It is also on a completely flat surface.

Q: How long will we be at the site?
A: Most years people tend to be around the site for up to half an hour before the run and then leave shortly after announcements, raffle and awards take place. With the 9 a.m. start most people are off site by 11 a.m.
 

Q: Can family members/friends/colleagues come to watch me participate in the race?
A: Family members/friends/colleagues can come and watch, but they must be registered as either a runner or walker. They are not required to finish the course, but registering gives them access to the race which is inside the airport perimeter. And, of course, being on the runway makes viewing easier. Please note, there is no seating available on the runway for spectators.

Q: Can my children/family watch while I run?
A: Children are welcome to go on the runway only if they are registered as participants.

Q: Can we take a stroller or a wagon?
A: Yes, if the child is registered as a participant in the event.

Q: Can I rollerblade or bike the race course?
A: Please only foot traffic on the runway as rollerblades or bicycles can be hazardous for other participants.

Q: Are wheelchairs allowed in the race or walk?
A: Yes, we encourage everyone to come participate and want to accommodate all physical needs.

Q: Can I bring my dog to the race?
A: The only animals permitted are service animals. Dogs can be a hazard to aircraft if they accidentally get loose on the airfield.

Q: Is there anywhere to store my personal belongings on site?
A: We encourage you to bring only the personal belongings you can carry on your body in a backpack or a waist pouch, as there is no place to store them on site. Otherwise there is always the option of locking your belongings in your vehicle.

Q: Can I bring my camera?
A: Yes, please take photographs! However, tripods will be awkward to use on the runway, so it might be best to use a handheld camera that can be stored on your body.

Q: Can I listen to music while I run the race?
A: You are welcome to use listening devices for your pleasure; however, please note that there are aircraft flying nearby and it may be difficult to hear any announcements if you are wearing headphones or ear buds.

Q: Will there be food/drinks available or can we bring our own?
A: There are free coffee, water, and fruit stations on site. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks as long as they dispose of any garbage before leaving the Welcome Centre – potential debris is not permitted on the airfield.

Q: Do I need to bring my own water for this race?
A: There will be water stations on course during race day with water available to all participants. You may wish to bring your own water bottles, but please remember there is nowhere to store extra personal belongings.

Q: Am I able to smoke while participating in the Runway Run?
A: Smoking is not permitted inside the airport perimeter, particularly due to creating debris on the airfield.

Q: What prizes or awards are there for the participants? If I win but can’t stay for the ceremony, will I be contacted?
A: All winners will be contacted, either on site or afterwards. There will be prizes for top runners and walkers. There are a variety of great prizes to be won as part of our raffle, including Air Canada tickets for two!

Q: What if I need to use the washroom during the run or walk?
A: There are an ample number of toilets available both inside the airport perimeter and outside the airport perimeter.