Topeka, KS — Gene Howerter, chairman of the board of directors at the Combat Air Museum, is hoping people who support the museum will turn out for this year’s Winged Foot 5K/10K Run and 5K Walk.
The ninth annual run-walk begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the museum, on South J Street outside of Hangar No. 602 at Topeka Regional Airport at Forbes Field. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser for the year,” said Howerter, who also serves as event chairman. “The secret to this is to get the person who wants to support the Combat Air Museum to come and join in the walk and run.”
Attendance at the run-walk has vacillated since its founding, he said. The event’s early years drew about 140 to 145 participants. That number dipped to 60 before bouncing back to 125 runners and walkers last year.
Howerter said last year’s event raised about $5,000.
The Highland Park High School Air Force ROTC will raise the flag at 7:50 a.m. and help at the different stations along the 3-mile course, which is certified by the USA Track and Field and Road Running Technical Council. Timing will be conducted by the Topeka Sunflower Strider Running Club.
Award trophies will be given to first-place winners, and medals will be awarded for five-year age classifications.
Run-walk to raise money for Combat Air Museum