SYRACUSE, N.Y. – More than 500 participants registered for the fifth annual 174th Attack Wing Runway 5K at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Aug. 1, giving military members, families and local residents the rare opportunity to race on an active airport runway while supporting the airport’s USO center.
Hosted by the New York Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing in partnership with the Syracuse Hancock International Airport, the annual event promotes community engagement while raising funds to help support the airport’s USO, which serves service members and their families traveling through Central New York.
Now in its fifth year, the Runway 5K continued its steady growth, drawing more registered participants than ever before. A total of 431 runners crossed the finish line, setting a new event record and surpassing the previous high by 43 finishers.
Unlike a traditional road race, participants ran on an active airfield as commercial aircraft continued arriving and departing on an adjacent runway throughout the event, providing a one-of-a-kind experience rarely available to the public. The race began following an opening ceremony featuring the 174th Attack Wing Honor Guard presenting the colors and the singing of the national anthem.
"This Runway 5K is a chance to open the base to the community and our partners at Syracuse Hancock International Airport while bringing everyone together," said Staff Sgt. Miguel Rodriguez-Peraza, 174th Attack Wing 5k planner. "Seeing commercial aircraft take off or land while you're running makes it a pretty cool experience."
Throughout the morning, runners of all ages, from 6 to 79 years old, crossed the finish line alongside family members, first-time participants, retirees and Airmen. Two MQ-9 Reaper aircraft flanked the finish line on static display, while Scooch, the Syracuse Mets mascot, greeted participants and celebrated runners as they completed the course. Michael Benny, anchor for CNY Central, emceed the event, while the station also covered the race as part of its local news coverage.
Competition remained strong throughout the race. Capt. Kevin Davis, assigned to the 174th Maintenance Group, 174th Attack Wing, claimed first place overall with a time of 16:58, averaging a 5:28-mile pace. His finish ranked among the fastest recorded in the event’s five-year history.
Awards were presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as winners across multiple age divisions. Col. Brett Batick, commander of the 174th Attack Wing, also presented the Commander’s Trophy to a young participant as he recognized her determination to complete the race.
“This was our fifth annual Runway 5K and the best experience yet,” said Batick. “The weather turned out great, and the motivation level of all the participants was outstanding. It was a great opportunity for us at the 174th Attack Wing to showcase our local Air National Guard wing to the community. It will be tough to top this one next year.”
As participation continues to grow each year, the Runway 5K has become a signature community event for the 174th Attack Wing, bringing together Airmen, families, airport partners and local residents while providing an experience few communities can offer.
The 174th Attack Wing is one of five wings that make up the New York Air National Guard. Headquartered at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, the 174th primary mission is to operate the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.