As the sun came up on Saturday morning, thousands of runners and walkers gathered on the 5th runway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for one of the city’s most unique traditions—the Mayor’s 5K on the Runway. Now in its 11th year, the race combined fitness, fun, and fundraising to support the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program (MYSP).
Mayor Andre Dickens joined Airport General Manager Ricky Smith, sponsors, and community partners to welcome participants. Together, they celebrated a morning that lifted up both the airport’s centennial year and the next generation of Atlanta scholars.
“This 5K has been helping young scholars for more than a decade, and the impact is real,” Dickens said. “They’re the real winners today.”
Highlights from the event included:
- The 11th anniversary of the 5K, held during the airport’s 100th year.
- More than 100 scholarships awarded this school year, totaling nearly $500,000.
- Community spirit on full display, with mascots, cheerleaders, and sponsors cheering runners on.
The day wrapped with an awards ceremony recognizing top finishers and thanking first-class sponsors including Paradies, Delta, and Hudson. Mayor Dickens invited participants to return for next year’s milestone run: the 2026 Mayor’s 5K on the Runway, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the first airmail flight to Atlanta.
