FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
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The following are actual questions we have been asked. If you have a question and do not see it here, feel free to contact us.
Q: Are strollers permitted in this race?
Q: Can I use JFK Airport's AirTrain to get to the race area?
Q: I am not exactly a professional runner. Can I still participate in this race?
Q: Are wheelchairs allowed in this race?
Q: What happens if it rains on race day?
Q: What is the official measurement of the race course?
Q: Can family members/friends/colleagues come to watch me participate in the race? Do they have to register if they're not participating in the race?
Q: Being that the race takes place on a runway, is it a completely flat 5k?
Q: Are dogs allowed in the race? / Can I bring my dog with me to watch the race?
Q: Will we run on the actual runway this year [2011]? We didn't run on the runway last year!
Q: I am in a group and we would like to participate in the race. Will we get group discounts?
Q: You say there's a bus service available that goes from the AirTrain station to Building 14. What is the name or number of bus I should look for?
Q: What kind of prizes are there for the race participants?
Q: Is there parking available for the race? If so, where and how much does it cost?
Q: Will there be a place to store our bags/belongings?
Q: I have to leave right after the race [either planned or unexpected[ and won't be able to stay for the awards ceremony. If I'm in the top three in my age category, will I still get my medal? If so, how?
Q: Are strollers permitted in this race?
A: Yes! It could take up to an hour if you are a fast walker in the 5k race. Here are photographic examples from previous races:
Most importantly, make sure to dress your children appropriately and bring a lot of fluids for them (as well as for yourself). Check the weather before you attend the race.
Q: Can I use JFK Airport's AirTrain to get to the race area?
A: Yes, you can. See Port Authority of NY&NJ's website for information on how to get to AirTrain from various points around the airport. Here is the direct link to an excellent AirTrain map (pdf file).
When you are on an AirTrain, get off at Station C (Federal Circle). It is a car rental and hotel pick-up station. Walking to Bldg. 14 is not recommended due to distance and traffic hazards. There is a bus service from Station C that will take you to the Bldg. 14 area. The bus runs approximately every 20 minutes. So be sure to make plans accordingly and in advance.
Here is the map showing locations of Station C and Bldg. 14.
Q: I am not exactly a professional runner. Can I still participate in this race?
A: Of course! This race is for all ages and types of people. You do not even have to run; you can power-walk or just plain walk and enjoy the unique airport scenery around you. Or, you can run at the beginning and if you tire in the middle of the race, you can always revert to walking. If you happen to feel that you must quit in the middle of the race for any reason, you can do so.
Q: Are wheelchairs allowed in this race?
A: Yes, people in wheelchairs are welcome to participate.
Q: What happens if it rains on race day?
A: The race will still go on. Although the race has never been cancelled during its long history (since 1972), there always remains the possibility in the event of an airport emergency, such as aircraft accident or security breach, that could cause the race to be cancelled. Please keep an eye on the main page of this website. Any new developments will be posted as soon as possible.
Q: What is the official measurement of the race course?
A: It is 3.1 miles.
Q: Can family members/friends/colleagues come to watch me participate in the race? Do they have to pay the registration fee if they're not participating in the race?
A: Due to security, spectators are contained within an area where they can view the start/finish line. There is no charge for people who come to watch the race, including the participants' family members/friends/colleagues.
Q: Being that the race takes place on a runway, is it a completely flat 5k?
A: Yes. Please take a look at our photograph gallery to see photographs of the race enviroment.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the race? / Can I bring my dog with me to watch the race?
A: We are sorry, but absolutely no dogs are allowed to be brought to the race or spectator area. In general, non-boarding dogs are not allowed to be brought to JFK Airport. JFK Airport is not conductive for walking your dog as well; in fact, it can be dangerous.
Q: Will we run on the actual runway this year [2011]? We didn't run on the runway last year!
A: The 2010 race was unfortunately the first time in history of running the races (over 20 years). The airport authorities cancelled us from using the runway at the very last minute. It was beyond our control. This year [2011] and afterwards, we have every intent to run on the runway unless there is a last minute emergency/security occurrence that we are unable to forecast. Please keep an eye on this website, join our mailing list, and/or join us on Twitter to be informed of any new announcements.
Q: I am in a group and we would like to participate in the race. Will we get a group discount?
A: This is handled on a case by case basis. Please contact us with information on your group.
Q: You say there's a bus service available that goes from the AirTrain station to Building 14. What is the name or number of bus I should look for?
A: There are only two buses (blue color) marked Port Authority; one goes east and the other one goes west. Your best bet is to ask either bus' driver to confirm which is the first bus to Building 14. Although both buses go to Building 14, one is faster than the other.
Q: What kind of prizes are there for the race participants?
A: Top three (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) Male and Female in each age category will rreceive medals. All race participants will get a t-shirt, fruit & water, and a goodie bag. Special drawing for airline tickets will be held for all
race participants. Good luck!
Q: Is there parking available for the race? If so, where and how much does it cost?
A: The parking is FREE at the parking lot of Building 14 (see picture below). The parking lot has room for more than 1,500 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to be prepared in advance and come early. 
(from Where We Are page)
Q: Will there be a place to store our bags/belongings?
A: Yes, we will have a truck and security guard at the parking lot area where you check in.
Q: I have to leave right after the race [either planned or unexpected] and won't be able to stay for the awards ceremony. If I'm in the top three in my age category, will I still get my medal? If so, how?
A: No problem. Check the race results to see if you've won. If you have, contact us and we will send you the medal. Congratulations!
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