Hundreds get rare chance to run the runway at Long Beach Airport

LONG BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Hundreds of people got the rare chance to "Run The Runway" at Long Beach Airport to celebrate the new $15 million runway renovation.

"We're really excited to run one mile where the airplanes fly," said Jacquie Bryant, the principal of Intellectual Virtues Academy in Long Beach, who was joined by dozens of her students.

Runway 7L-25R was closed for the past year as workers completely rebuilt it. It's the first major construction in more than 20 years.

"With heavy use over a period of years, there is deterioration that takes place, and so we're grateful to the FAA for awarding the $15 million grant that allowed for this reconstruction to take place," said Bryant Francis, director at Long Beach Airport.

The runway is 6,200 feet long and 150 feet wide. Everything is new, including the pavement, signage and lighting.

Officials say the changes should extend the life of the runway by up to 20 years.

It's one of three runways that allow about 400,000 aircraft to fly in and out of Long Beach every year.

It's the first time the airport has allowed people to run on a runway.

"It's really fun just to run around and look at the planes and just get cheered on", said Duncan Cupernell, a Long Beach resident.

Runway 7L-25R is expected to open to air traffic by mid-April.