Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who can come to this event? Everyone is welcome. The organizers are committed to hosting a fun, safe, and orderly celebration for all attendees. Security will be provided by police officers from the Village of Wheeling and the City of Prospect Heights. Any individuals whose behavior or appearance is determined to be disruptive to public peace and safety will be removed.

  • Will there be a rain date in the event of inclement weather? Our event will proceed rain or shine. There is no scheduled rain date.

  • Is this an all day event? No. The morning “Run the Runway” begins at 8am and concludes after all runners have finished their race. The evening live music, food trucks, and fireworks “Rock the Runway” event kicks off at 5 p.m.

  • What time does the live music begin? 7th Heaven will begin their set at 6 p.m. ARRA will go on shortly after with two sets, allowing for a break at 9:15 p.m. for the fireworks show.

  • Is this event really on the runway? The morning 5k run takes place right on the runways of Chicago Executive Airport! It’s a unique way to view the airport from the inside. The evening event’s live music stage and fireworks viewing area will be located just west of the Lima runway and south of the Delta runway, at the northeast corner of the Wolf Road and Palatine Road intersection. With the exception of the period during the fireworks show, runways will remain in use by aircraft, creating a unique and exciting experience.

  • Are pets allowed? No pets allowed on airport grounds, with the exception of service animals for people with disabilities.

  • What about tents, tables and umbrellas? In order to preserve quality viewing opportunities for all guests, tables, tents and shade umbrellas are not allowed. No seating will be provided; however, we encourage attendees to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Rain umbrellas are allowed.

  • Can I bring outside food or beverages? Bottled water is permissible at both the morning run and evening live music and fireworks portion, but otherwise no outside food or beverages will be allowed on event grounds. We have recruited a number of food vendors to be a part of the event. Water and soda will also be for sale separately from the food vendors. The morning 5k will also have food and beverages available for purchase.

  • Are coolers allowed? Coolers are not allowed.

  • Are outside vendors allowed? No. The only permitted vendors are those food trucks that have registered ahead of time. No glow or flash accessories, i.e. glow sticks, will be permitted to be sold.

  • Are there any planned children’s activities? Yes! In the evening we will have face painters, a “wandering” magician, balloon artists, and a large static vehicle display including vehicles from the Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department, Waste Management, and airport that will be available for touring and photos. Children’s activities begin at 5 p.m. The morning run includes a kid’s dash as well as a family one-mile walk.

  • Is handicapped parking available? Parking is available for people with disabilities.

  • Is there an entrance fee? The “Rock The Runway” music and fireworks are free of charge. There is a registration fee for the “Run the Runway” 5k run, one-mile walk, and kid’s dash.

  • Still have questions ? Please call 847-499-9099 or email us at rnr@wheelingilgov with questions regarding the evening event. Email info@chiexec.com for questions regarding the run, or visit the run’s website at https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Wheeling/RunTheRunwayAtCEAPWK