Aviator Run breaks records, builds community

Before sunrise on Saturday, March 29, more than 550 runners gathered on the Ellington Airport (EFD) runway. It wasn't a flight—but it was definitely a lift.

The third annual Houston Airports Aviator Run brought employees, community members and stakeholders together for a 5K run, walk and jog event that raised more than $25,000 for Wings of Compassion, a charitable organization supporting Houston airport workers during times of need.

"This is the kind of event that reminds you why community matters," said Crystal Gutierrez, who organizes employee engagement at Houston Airports. "I feel relieved we could move forward with the event despite rain in the forecast. It's amazing to know we raised thousands of dollars for Wings of Compassion."

Since it began three years ago with 170 runners, the Aviator Run has more than tripled. Gutierrez hopes to cross the 1,000-runner mark next year.

The event offered participants a rare experience: racing on the airfield beside the growing Houston Spaceport, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.

"Imagine you're on the literal runway where a president has landed," said Raquel Cervantes, a Houston Airports employee who ran with her wife, sister, brother-in-law, cousins and friends. "It's that special and that unique."

Ray Harper, who works at Ellington Airport, said the energy was about more than fitness. "Just everybody here seeing what we're doing and how we're giving back to the community gives us a good feeling for Houston Airports and Ellington Airport."

The event kicked off hours before runners arrived. "The Houston Airports maintenance team woke up early today," said Kyle Pankonien, airport maintenance superintendent. "We got to Ellington Airport around 4 a.m. to set up the stage, stand up the flags and position the barrels that outline the racecourse. We prepared everything so the record crowd could have a great time."

Some came to compete. Sixteen-year-old Lamar High School student Gabriel Bunn was the first to finish—shaving 16 seconds off his best despite wind and rain.

"I exceeded my expectations today," Bunn said. "I liked that I was running against the wind, but I still had people running around me who pushed me. Today, I ran the 5k at 17 minutes and 24 seconds. That's my all-time best."

For Lt. W.T. Liu of the Houston Police Department, the race had a different pace—and a deeper purpose. He ran in full police uniform while carrying a flag featuring a thin blue line.

"I always run with a uniform while carrying the flag that symbolizes support for law enforcement. This is the way I honor and remember police officers who have died in the line of duty," said Liu, who turns 61 next month. "The response from the public is very warm and very kind."

Liu began running in uniform in 2014. He's now a regular on the Aviator Run course. "It's an amazing feeling to run on the Ellington Airport runway," he said. "It's like an open field—very beautiful."

The event was both practical and powerful—bringing people together while supporting a cause rooted in compassion.

"It's a great race," said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. "You get to run on the runway, and it's for a good cause."

But for Szczesniak, it's also about access. "I'm proud that Houston Airports extended this unique invitation to the community to enjoy the Ellington Airport airfield. It's a pretty cool thing that most people never get to experience. Supporting the Houston community through this race allows our neighbors to do it."