Hartsfield-Jackson prepares for 5K on the runway

060322 - HAPEVILLE, GA -- These giant painted lines can be seen at the construction site on the fifth runway at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday, March 22, 2006. (JOHNNY CRAWFORD/AJC staff)

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

060322 - HAPEVILLE, GA -- These giant painted lines can be seen at the construction site on the fifth runway at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday, March 22, 2006. (JOHNNY CRAWFORD/AJC staff)

Runners have a chance at a race at an unusual venue: On a runway at the world's busiest airport.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is preparing to host its first 5K on the runway this weekend.

060322 - HAPEVILLE, GA -- These giant painted lines can be seen at the construction site on the fifth runway at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday, March 22, 2006. (JOHNNY CRAWFORD/AJC staff)

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

icon to expand image

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

The race will be held Oct. 17 on the airport's fifth runway -- the one that opened in 2006 and cost $1.2 billion. The runway will be closed to airplane traffic Saturday morning for the event.

Proceeds from the race will go to United Way, and the event is sponsored by Delta Air Lines. About 1,000 have registered so far, according to Hartsfield-Jackson spokesman Reese McCranie on Monday.

Hartsfield-Jackson general manager Miguel Southwell noted that it will "give visitors a different perspective of the Airport."

060527 - RIVERDALE, GA: A Delta plane rolls over the 5th runway bridge as cars continue to move on Interstate 285 on Saturday, 5/27/06. Today was the first day of runway was open to air traffic .PHOTO BY JOHNNY CRAWFORD/AJC STAFF

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

icon to expand image

Credit: Kelly Yamanouchi

Learn more about the race here and register here.