Runners and walkers took to the flat, open runways of the Baxter County Airport on a brisk October morning for the "Run the Runway 5K & 1-Mile Walk" event. Organized by Pirate Perry Events, the Saturday gathering saw 142 participants register for the early morning race, held on airport property typically closed to public foot traffic.
Baxter County Judge Kevin Litty and his family helped kick off the event, which began with registration at 6:30 a.m. and the race starting at 7:30 a.m. After crossing the finish line, participants and spectators enjoyed an aviation open house presented by the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation. The organization offered aircraft displays, a flight simulator, and access to its Aviation Learning Center.
The event was supported by major sponsors ITS, Freeman Ranch, Albright Farms, and Farmers & Merchants Bank, with additional contributions from businesses such as The Water Store, House Realty, Ascend Wealth Management, and 870 Coffee Company. Proceeds from the event benefit aviation career development scholarships provided by the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation.
Bradley McMahon was the overall race winner, completing the 5K in 19:41.07—a mile pace of 6:20. Alyssia Barton was the fastest female participant, finishing in 22:54.90 at a pace of 7:22 per mile. Participants hailed from Baxter County communities like Mountain Home, Gassville, and Cotter, as well as from farther away, including Springdale, Prairie Grove, and Pontiac, Missouri.
The event showcased representation across a wide range of ages. Nine-year-old Kason Smith of Lakeview led the youngest age group with a time of 33:17. In the 70-and-older category, Larry Price finished in 33:00, while Harold Marymont completed the race in 38:06. Females made up 55% of registered participants, highlighting the broad community appeal of the event.
Judge Litty, who participated himself, expressed enthusiasm for a future iteration of the race. "We’d love to see this become an annual event," he said, encouraging airport management to begin preparations for next year.
The Leading Edge Aviation Foundation, a group of local pilots, often collaborates with Baxter County Airport to engage the community. Established in 2022, the foundation has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to aspiring aviators. Its scholarships support students as young as sixth grade to attend summer aviation science camps, while high school graduates are eligible for college tuition and advanced training funds.
The event highlighted the importance of the airport to the regional economy and community. The facility averages approximately 40 daily takeoffs and landings, serving medical missions, business travelers, and tourists, in addition to providing employment and benefiting from state and federal funding for improvements.
Organizers emphasized that the primary goal of the race was to give the public a rare chance to enjoy the airport in a new way and to deepen awareness of how aviation contributes to Baxter County life.