On March 28 the Lithuanian Air Force Base, more specifically, the military airport runway, will become the venue for one of the most unique running events in Lithuania Runway Run 2026. The event will be conducted for the 13th time to celebrate the NATO membership anniversary in the same place where the F-16 fighter aircraft of the Belgian Air Force touched down for the first time on 29 March 2004 to begin the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states.
Runway Run is the only running event in Lithuania organized on the runway otherwise used by the military aircraft of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and Allied air forces deployed on the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states. The event reminds that we are a part of NATO, the strongest defensive alliance in the world, and to pay tribute to the Alliance’s sign of solidarity with the new member – the maiden mission of the fighter aircraft about to start the NATO air policing tasks: landing in Lithuania on the very first day of our NATO membership.
Members of the Lithuanian Armed Forces will take part in the event side by side with Allied troops, organisations, sports clubs, education institutions, and independent supporters. Everyone is invited to join in the tribute event to run 3000 meters on the runway at a pace of your convenience. Also, the vent offers an opportunity to take a closer look at the aircraft of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, fighter jets of the NATO Allies, and military equipment and weaponry of both in a static display which will be put out for that purpose. Participants will also be able to ask questions and find out more about military service and the Armed Forces.
Runway Run has been organized since 2013 and has been pulling together approx. 10 000 participants in the recent years.
Photo: illustrative image
