Almost 1,500 Runners Take Flight at the Fourth Annual FlyBy 5K presented by CNX Resources

PITTSBURGH (September 21, 2019) – Almost 1,500 runners and walkers of all ages took advantage of the warm and sunny day this morning at the fourth annual FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk presented by CNX Resources.

Runners raced under hotter temperatures than years past, but that didn’t keep them from experiencing this one-of-a-kind course that grants special access to runways near hangars and aircraft at Pittsburgh International Airport. Andrew Zentgraf of Oakmont placed first for the men with a time of 17:00, while Eline De Jong of the Netherlands finished first in the female division, at 18:16, setting the course record for females!

“I live in the Netherlands and am in Pittsburgh for an internship at the University of Pittsburgh for a couple of months. I was excited to be able to run today,” said Eline De Jong. “My favorite part was the second half of the course; it was getting hotter as the sun was facing us, and all I wanted to do was cross that finish line strong.”

The family-friendly event benefited the Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation. This nonprofit organization was established in 2013 to enhance the experience of military, families and others traveling through Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County Airport.

“Each year we try to change this event up to make it more special for every participant,” said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis. “Participants are able to see what is going on at the airport and, as this event continues to grow, more of the causes we support are able to benefit.”

New this year, the FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk presented by CNX Resources held its very first flag folding ceremony thanks to the Heinz History Center. During the ceremony, more than 100 race participants volunteered to hold and wave a 36-foot flag during the singing of the National Anthem.

“It was incredible to see so many runners cross the finish line today, especially all the kids,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “We had a record number of children participate this morning, and it was great to see them all so motivated to run at such an exciting event.”

After crossing the finish line, participants received a custom designed technical t-shirt and finisher medal. They also enjoyed post-race snacks including Eat’n Park Smiley cookies, along with giveaways and activities from event partners DICK’S Sporting Goods, Fleet Feet Sports Pittsburgh and CNX.

For more information or official results, visit http://p3r.org/flyby-5k/. For event photos, visit https://bit.ly/2lZtwuD

About P3R

P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to run with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org

About Allegheny County Airport Authority

Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect and serve the community, inspire the industry, and advance the region’s role as a world leader. Its 2018 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at http://www.flypittsburgh.com/ar18.

Pittsburgh International Airport serves more than 9 million passengers annually on 17 carriers. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure and J.D. Power have again named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2018.