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Chicago Rockford International Airport

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Runners, Mark Your Calendars to Run the Runway

The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and the United Parcel Service (UPS) will host “Run the Runway,” featuring a 5K, 1-Mile and Kid’s Fun Run, on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 8 a.m. During the past three years, this event has raised more than $10,000 for local charities, Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and United Way of Rock River Valley.

“Run the Runway is a great opportunity for people to get involved in the community, support local non-profits and encourage physical fitness,” said RFD Executive Director Mike Dunn.  “We are excited to host this fantastic event in such a unique location.”

The participants will run/walk on Runway 7/25, a 10,000-foot runway, as well as Taxiways Golf and Foxtrot.  Several airplanes will be staged on the course.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit CASA and United Way of Rock River Valley. Monies raised will be used to support Winnebago and Ogle County United Way initiatives and to recruit, train and support Winnebago County CASA volunteers. “We are very grateful to RFD and UPS for hosting this incredible event for family fun,” said Paul Logli, President and CEO of United Way of Rock River Valley. “Run the Runway is becoming a tradition for those looking for family activities that support local community efforts.”

Currently, CASA has reported more than 1,200 open court cases of abuse and neglect this year, a 20 percent decrease from last year. “We are so pleased to be involved in this event and grateful for the opportunities it supplies to our organization,” said Taryn Marko, CASA Program Director. CASA advocates are trained volunteers who take on some of the toughest cases to ensure each child will have a voice. Currently, Winnebago County has more than 130 volunteers who work with approximately 300 juveniles.

Run the Runway is supported by several sponsors including Meg’s Daily Grind and Rock Valley College.

Registration is open now and runners of all ages are encouraged to participate. The kid’s fun run, priced at $15, is open to those ages 12 and under. The 5k and 1-mile runs are open to all ages and are $30 and $15 respectively or $40 for both runs. A commemorative t-shirt is included in the registration fee.  Medals will be given to the top qualifiers in each age group at the conclusion of all races.

For event updates and registration information visit www.runsignup.com.

 Winnebago County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that advocates for abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court system. For more information about CASA, please call the CASA office at 815-319-6880.

United Way of Rock River Valley advances the common good in Winnebago and Ogle counties, creating opportunities for a better life by focusing on education, income, and health. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change.

RFD is served by three airlines:  Allegiant, Elite Airways and Apple Vacations.  RFD serves nine non-stop destinations including Cancun, Ft. Myers, Ft. Collins (Denver), Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana and Tampa Bay.  RFD was named the 2013 Primary Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics. For more information on RFD and flight schedules, visit FlyRFD.com.