How I fell in love with running — and with Ontario International Airport's annual fundraiser run.

I wasn’t born a runner. Far from it.

In my early 40s, I was living in New England, staring out the window at a wall of snow, feeling sluggish, out of shape and depressed. One cold morning, I decided to change that. I grabbed an old pair of sneakers — the kind that had seen more backyards than gym floors — and ran. Just one mile, in the snow. It wasn’t fast, it wasn’t pretty, but it was something.

Then came two miles. Then three.

Somewhere in those early runs, something clicked. Running stopped being a chore and started becoming a kind of moving meditation. The rhythm of my breath, the sound of my shoes crunching on the frozen road — it cleared my head in a way nothing else ever had. I wasn’t just burning calories; I was finding clarity.  

Fast-forward a few decades (and 30,000 or so miles), and running is now part of my DNA. I’ve run on four continents, learned the science of socks and shoe foam, and joined a community of runners who are equal parts competitive and compassionate. My wife, Deana, and I started with local 5Ks, worked our way up to 10Ks and now — somehow — we’ve completed four marathons. Each one has its own story, its own version of joy and pain and post-race beers. 

This Valentines Day, one of my favorite running events returns to Ontario International Airport. The annual 5K at the Runway is unlike any other run you’ll ever do. Think about it — how often do you get to run next to an actual airport runway? The same space where 737s roar to life and jets take off for destinations all over the world suddenly belongs to you and about 2,000 other runners, walkers, strollers and kids.

There’s something magical about it. The sunrise over the San Bernardino Mountains, the rumble of jets nearby and the excitement of being part of something big. It’s not just a race — it’s an experience.

You’ll see seasoned runners chasing personal records and first-timers grinning their way through 3.1 miles of pure adrenaline. You’ll spot costumes, Valentine’s Day flair and plenty of pink and red. And best of all, your participation supports great local causes, helping families and organizations across our region.

For me, running is still about the same thing it was on that first snowy morning — putting one foot in front of the other and seeing where it takes you. The 5K at the Runway captures that spirit perfectly. It’s fun, it’s fast (if you want it to be) and it’s a reminder that the best journeys often start with a single, slightly uncomfortable step.

So lace up your shoes, grab a running buddy and join us on February 14, 2026. Whether you’re here for the finish-line photo, the medal or the pure joy of doing something unforgettable, you’ll leave with a story to tell — and maybe, like me, a little bit of that runner’s high that keeps you coming back for more.

See you on the runway.

Click here to register for Ontario International Airport's fourth annual 5K at the Runway!