Columbia airport set to hold 5th runway run

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The Metropolitan Columbia Airport is hosting its fifth "runway run" to raise funds for the military support group USO.

Saturday's 3.1-mile run begins at 10 a.m. A children's "fun run" will follow.

The event began in 2010 when it was first held to celebrate the re-opening of the main runway at the airport after seven months of reconstruction.

Proceeds from the event are going to support the USO, which supports nearly 7,000 troops every month as they pass through the airport.

The USO also provides services to visiting service members who train at Camp McCrady at Fort Jackson.

The support group was initially known as the United Service Organization. It was formed from several nonprofits as the U.S. was preparing to enter World War II.

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