Mt. Vernon Outland Airport Selected as Terminus for 2026 Air Race Classic
Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/25/2026 - 06/29/2026
12:00 am
Location
Mt. Vernon Outland Airport
Categories
Mt. Vernon, IL — Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (KMVN) has been selected as the Terminus
host site for the 2026 Air Race Classic, marking a major milestone for both the airport and
the community. The nationally recognized event will bring pilots, crews, aviation officials,
and visitors from across the country to Mt. Vernon, making it the largest aviation event
hosted at the airport since the 1973 Blue Angels air show.
The Air Race Classic is a prestigious, all-female piloted cross-country air race that traces
its roots to the 1929 Women’s Air Derby. The modern race challenges teams to fly a multiday route across the United States, testing accuracy, flight planning, and consistency
rather than pure speed. The race concludes at the designated Terminus city, where pilots
are welcomed and celebrated for their achievement. More information about the race is
available at airraceclassic.org.
“Being selected as the Terminus for the Air Race Classic is a tremendous honor for Mt.
Vernon Outland Airport,” said Chris Collins, Airport Manager. “This event puts our airport on
a national stage and highlights the professionalism of our facilities and staff. It’s exciting to
host an event of this scale and significance.”
Racers and race officials are expected to begin arriving on Thursday, June 25, 2026, and will
remain in Mt. Vernon through Monday, June 29, participating in a variety of planned events,
receptions, educational opportunities, and community activities throughout their stay.
“This is truly a community-wide opportunity,” said Sheila Jolly Scrivner, Host City Terminus
Chair. “From aviation enthusiasts to families and local businesses, the Air Race Classic
offers something for everyone, and we’re looking forward to showcasing Mt. Vernon’s
hospitality and support for women in aviation.”
A public aviation celebration and youth activity day will be held on Saturday, June 27, from
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. Activities will include Young Eagle Flights for
children, interactive aviation displays, educational opportunities, and additional family friendly programming designed to inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation
professionals.
Event organizers are actively seeking local, regional, and national sponsors to support the
2026 Air Race Classic Terminus and related activities. Sponsorship opportunities will offer
businesses and organizations high-visibility exposure, community engagement, and
alignment with a nationally respected aviation event that promotes education, skill, and
opportunity for women pilots.
“This event will have a significant positive impact on tourism and the local economy,” said
Angela Schrum, Tourism Director. “We’re excited to welcome racers and visitors from
across the country and to highlight everything Mt. Vernon has to offer while celebrating a
truly historic aviation event.”
Additional details, schedules, and sponsorship information will be released as planning
continues.
About the Air Race Classic
The Air Race Classic is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and educating
women pilots, increasing public awareness of general aviation, and honoring the legacy of
women in aviation through an annual cross-country air race.
Media Contact:
Sheila Jolly Scrivner
Host City Terminus Chair
618-242-7016
sheilamvaa@gmail.com