The World Airline Road Race has its roots with the Joggeroos, a group of runners from Qantas Airways Running Club, who invited their interline friends ‘down under’ to the famous 1978 Sydney-to-Surf 6.2 mile race. Other informal gatherings in Texas, Finland, Spain, Portugal and Georgia served as a springboard for airline clubs to devise an annual airline road-race held in different locations around the world and to encourage the participation of as many airlines as possible.

The inaugural World Airline Road Race was held in San Francisco's Golden Park in September 1982, with 300 runners representing 30 airlines. The event was deemed a great success and ‘A good time was had by all’. Following this first race an International Committee was formed to oversee the smooth running and continual success since. Airlines are awarded the opportunity to organise and host this annual festival which results in different venues every year.

In 1985 the World Airline Road Race was held outside the USA for the first time with British Airways hosting the races in Hyde Park, London. The 2009 28th festival has been held in Hangzhou, China - the first time the event has been held on continental Asia.

The British Airways Athletics Club has been selected to host the 29th festival in 2010 and so the World Airline Road Race will pay a return visit to London, 25 years on from the previous visit.

The World Airline Road Race - Meet the WestJet Team
July 29, 12:30 PM

WestJet Warriors host a number of fundraising events to build up their team.

The other day I introduced you to the World Airline Road Race, the footrace that pits airline employees and other travel professionals against one another in a test of strength and endurance. Canadian air carrier WestJet is estimated to have 150 to 200 team members who have participated in their running club.

The WestJet Warriors are so successful because they go all out to keep WestJet employees in the know. They make sure informational posters are hung at every station, they designate team captains at each base to act as WARR liaisons, they help fellow runners find affordable travel options, and they run together throughout the year. They even have a link on their company intranet to recruit more participants.

WestJet Warriors team organizer Jennifer Taggart explained fundraising is the key. "The year leading up to the race, members who wish to participate fundraise to cover the cost of their trip," she said. "We do raffles, sell pizza's and chocolate bars, and host a big event with dinner at one of our local establishments where we have a silent auction of donations to raise money."

Talking with the WestJet Warriors

Michelle Harron-Tumolva is the go-to gal for past and future Warriors. Her e-newsletters keep the team updated on events and information, and she was kind enough to share her insight into the race with me.

HM: Does jetlag play a role in your team's performance?

MHT: Most of our team travel a few days prior to the event so jetlag usually does not play a role in the team's performance, keeping in mind we  have different levels of competitors from marathon runners to casual runners and walkers.

HM: What's been your favorite WARR destination and why?

MHT: For myself I would say Prague - it was my first WARR and it was amazing--the culture, the beauty of it was so different.

HM: What kinds of activities do teams take part in outside the race?

MHT: Our team usually does some of the tours. We have a team meeting, we usually try to have dinner once as a team somewhere, we keep in contact with the team via our message board.

HM: Is there a team that's known as the one to beat?

MHT: British Airways and Qantas and a few from Air France (some of their runners are extraordinary).

HM: Do you have any predictions for the WARR in China?

MHT: Myself, I feel that it will be an experience like no other and probably one that will be talked about for years - great entertainment for sure.

HM: Do you have any advice for new WARRiors?

MHT: Ensure you maintain contact with the team captain, try not to do too much, do what you really desire to do - meet as many other airline people as possible.

The T-Shirt Swap

One of the most popular networking events at the WARR is the T-shirt swap and contest. It gives teams from around the world a chance to meet and greet, exchange memorabilia and show off their team T-shirt. Taggart said, "We have a group that focuses on the t-shirt design to ensure we look great, represent WestJet and our Warriors well at the event, and have a great shirt to trade at the t-shirt swap." Harron-Tumolva has some advice for other teams. "Team t-shirts are big items, as well as memorabiliia from your airline. Be sure your team has items to trade, get the company to maybe sponsor some items or purchase some yourself."