EAA 5K Race Becomes Certified myTEAM TRIUMPH Event

July 28, 2018 - The 14th annual AirVenture Runway 5K on Saturday was the first one declared an official race of myTEAM TRIUMPH, an organization with a mission of getting people with disabilities involved in community athletics.

EAA event coordinator Jaclyn Freeburg said more than 1,000 runners participated in the 5K including several myTEAM TRIUMPH participants who were able to complete the course with the help of able-bodied athletes known as angels.

“They bring their trailer and a whole mob of people, and it’s just cool to see the sheer numbers in support, and to see the people in the chairs actually participating in the race,” Jaclyn said.

Jaclyn worked with myTEAM TRIUMPH to get the Runway 5K certified by the organization. She said watching the participants with disabilities, known as captains, get to finish the race was inspiring.

“EAA’s mission is to grow participation in aviation by promoting The Spirit of Aviation, and that is something that is for everyone,” Jaclyn said. “Partnering with an organization like myTEAM TRIUMPH and giving people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get around and see our grounds in a crowd-free and really unique scenario is a really wonderful opportunity that we were excited to partner with.”

The proceeds from the 2018 Runway 5K were donated to the United Way to support its mission of fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.