February 3, 2026 11:06
EVV News,
Press Releases,
Community Involvement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2026
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) and partnering nonprofit Evansville P-47 Foundation announced today the return of the popular 5K on the Runway, taking off from the Evansville Wartime Museum on Saturday, May 2.
Following a record-setting year in 2025, which marked one of the largest 5K events in Evansville’s history, organizers are building on that momentum with expanded partnerships and new participant experiences in 2026. Last year’s runway 5K event generated $25,000 in funding support for the P-47 Foundation, a culmination of more than 900 race participants and generous event sponsors.
“The continued growth of EVV’s 5K on the Runway reflects the community’s enthusiasm for this truly one-of-a-kind experience,” said Leslie Fella, EVV Director of Marketing and Air Service and event co-chair. “After last year’s record-setting turnout, we’re excited to welcome runners, walkers and families back for another memorable event — and to introduce Liberty Federal Credit Union as our title sponsor.”
Liberty Federal Credit Union joins the event as title sponsor for the first time in 2026, helping make the race possible while also supporting the mission of the P-47 Foundation and the broader Evansville community.
“The P-47 Foundation is grateful for Liberty Federal Credit Union’s continued support, which has expanded into their title sponsorship of this incredible community 5K,” said P-47 Foundation President Rick Kaskel. “Through partnerships like this – and events like EVV’s 5K on the Runway, we are able to preserve Evansville’s P-47 Thunderbolt and meaningfully connect our community to the city’s aviation and wartime history.”
The 5K on the Runway benefits the mission of the P-47 Foundation, which protects and preserves the P-47 Thunderbolt Hoosier Spirit II housed at the Evansville Wartime Museum. This unique race offers participants and spectators a rare opportunity to experience EVV’s airfield up close and firsthand while supporting wellness, aviation and Evansville’s wartime legacy.
Back again this year, Breeze Airways is offering a prize of two roundtrip flight vouchers to one lucky participant and their guest. Every registered race participant will be automatically entered into the drawing, which will be held immediately following the race events.
Several race options are available, including a Kids Dash at 8:30 a.m., a one mile walk at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K run/walk beginning at 9 a.m. The 3.1-mile chip-timed race will lead participants around EVV’s airstrip and grounds. T-shirts are included for all 5K and one-mile participants. Medals will be awarded to 5K top finishers in various age groups, and trophies will be awarded to the overall fastest male and female 5K participants. All registered children participating in the Kids Dash will receive medals and have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts through online race registration.
In addition to the morning race events, festivities will include local vendors, family-friendly activities, aircraft displays and discounted $5.00 museum admission. Local Chapter 21 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will also offer Young Eagles Flights — free plane rides for children ages 8–17 — following the race at United Companies Air Center, weather and space permitting. Registration for Young Eagles flights is available at youngeaglesday.org.
Event parking and shuttles will be available at Anchor Industries and the former Whirlpool site along U.S. 41 North, with additional parking details shared with registered participants closer to race day. Accessible parking will be available at the museum.
For more information and to register for race events, visit 5kontherunway.org.
###
About Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)
Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) offers worldwide connectivity to hundreds of domestic and international destinations with frequent daily flights to top-rated, major hub cities and low-cost, nonstop flights to the region’s most popular Florida vacation destinations. Served by Allegiant, American Airlines, Breeze Airways and Delta Air Lines, EVV is a convenient and welcoming gateway to and from southwest Indiana, west Kentucky and southeast Illinois. Learn more by visiting flyevv.com and connect with EVV @FlyEVV and at Facebook.com/EVVairport.
About Evansville P47 Foundation
Evansville P-47 Foundation is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and procuring in perpetuity an Evansville-built P-47 Thunderbolt Hoosier Spirit II. The Foundation works closely with the Evansville Wartime Museum, where Hoosier Spirit II is housed, to achieve its mission. Learn more by visiting p47foundation.org and connect with P-47 Foundation at Facebook.com/EvansvilleP47Foundation.
About the Evansville Wartime Museum
Evansville Wartime Museum, located at Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) along the EVV airstrip, preserves the region’s wartime and aviation heritage, highlighting Evansville’s significant contributions during World War II. Through exhibits, restored aircraft and educational programs, the museum honors service, sacrifice and the community’s enduring role in aviation history. Learn more by visiting evansvillewartimemuseum.org and connect with Evansville Wartime Museum at Facebook.com/evansvillewartimemuseum.
Media Release
For more information contact:
Leslie Fella
Evansville Regional Airport
Ph: (812) 421-4401
Email: [email protected]
Cathy Renner
P-47 Foundation
Ph: (812) 455-8900
Email: [email protected]
Meredith Marshall
Evansville Wartime Museum
(812) 424-7461
Email: [email protected]
