If you’ve spotted The Runway on the Run Waterloo calendar for August 30, you already know it’s something special. Run Waterloo doesn’t just add events on a whim—each one must be fit to run.
And behind this new event lies a story of help, hope, and healing that deserves to be told. Welcome Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) to the The Runway 2025!
We sat down with Chris Thomas, VP of Philanthropy and Communications at MAF, to learn what makes this event more than just a run/walk and what runners should know.
Run Waterloo: Tell us more about MAF.
Chris Thomas: Mission Aviation Fellowship is the world’s most effective missions organization flying over 1,500 partners to serve isolated communities. We change lives—both spiritually and physically—through aviation and technology. With a fleet of 120 small aircraft, MAF flies into some of the world’s most remote and rugged places, delivering critical medical care, emergency medevacs, disaster relief, and support for humanitarian workers. These flights aren’t just transportation—they’re a lifeline.
RW: Run Waterloo has been hosting The Runway at the Region of Waterloo International Airport since 2015. Where did this partnership idea come from?
CT: The Runway Run began in 2022 in the Netherlands, where it has been held annually for the past three years, each one building momentum and community. In 2024, the UK joined in, hosting its first Runway Run. Now in 2025, we’re proud to bring this mission to Canada—for the first time—in partnership with Run Waterloo. Running on a runway is a rare and powerful experience. The runway symbolizes the heart of MAF’s work: every plane takes off with the hopes of people on board—sometimes with life hanging in the balance. When you run, you’re not just crossing a finish line. You’re helping someone reach a hospital in time. You’re delivering a child in a remote village to receive life-saving medical treatment. You’re making it possible to fly in and save a mother’s life with labour complications.
RW: Tell us about how every step matters.
CT: Every step matters when every second counts. Each step on the runway contributes to flights that save lives—flights made possible by the generosity and awareness of people like you. When you show up on August 30, you’re joining a global movement that says “yes” to help, hope, and healing. This isn’t just another run or walk—it’s a mission with momentum. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, you’ll be part of something extraordinary. Because when you take one step, MAF takes thousands of miles. Because every step sends life-saving flights.
RW: How can our community get involved?
1. Register – Sign up early to secure your spot! When registering, please select Mission Aviation Fellowship as your team to receive a FREE event shirt and show your support for life-saving flights.
2. Donate – Help send a life-saving flight today!
RW: Anything else that participants need to know?
CT: One more thing…we are offering this spike bag for free to all participants at The Runway 2025.
RW: Thank you Chris. At Run Waterloo, we focus on putting on great running events. Often these come with great charity partners, but not always, and we only add charities when the fit is right and the overall participant experience benefits. Of course we recognize the great power these events have for charitable outcomes and that’s why we’re thrilled to add a new partner to our calendar this year. See you on August 30!
