For the first time in the airport’s history, Blue Grass (LEX) will
invite the general public to run, bike, skate and stay active on its
runway.
For the 2nd Sunday initiative, community members will be offered 4,000
feet of flat, smooth surface to be active along the runway, which will
officially open this summer. The event takes place from 2 to 5 p.m.
June 13.
“On the second Sunday of June, Lexington will do something
revolutionary,” says Councilmember Jay McChord. “It will open Blue
Grass Airport’s runway for what may potentially be a once-in-a-lifetime
fitness opportunity.”
Those who want to be active are encouraged to bring bikes, inline
skates, Frisbees and sporting equipment; attendees who would prefer to
relax can bring picnic supplies and watch airplanes taking off and
landing on the nearby commercial runway. Guests can also explore a
variety of aircraft and safety vehicles, such as helicopters, fire
engines, police vehicles and historic airplanes. Participants can also
register to win a free trip to Orlando or Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.,
courtesy of AirTran Airways and the airport.
The 2nd Sunday initiative, organized by the University of Kentucky
Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences and community
partners, offers monthly events throughout the state to encourage all
forms of physical activity. It aims to send the message that the state
really wants to improve its residents’ health and promote physical
activity.
“We are proud to be the host of a community event that will not only
promote health and wellness but also showcases the construction of our
new runway,” says Eric Frankl, executive director of LEX. “We are
excited about the opportunity to open our operation to the public so
they can experience the airport from a new perspective. Most people are
never given the chance to walk on a runway or see an airfield
environment.”
The event is free and open to the public; pets on a leash are welcome, and there will be pet drinking areas.
“The Cooperative Extension Service is all about local partnerships, and
the June 13th 2nd Sunday event is a fine example of how this initiative
is bringing communities together to address common goals, in this case
health and physical activity,” says Scott Smith, dean of UK College of
Agriculture.
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