Welcome to The ARC

The Air Race Classic is the epicenter of women's air racing. Pilots range in age from 17 to 90+ years old. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds including students, teachers, doctors, airline pilots, business owners, professionals and air traffic controllers. Race Teams, consisting of at least two women pilots, must fly VFR during daylight hours only and are given four days to make flybys at each en route timing point and then land at the terminus. The race route changes each year, approximately 2,400 statute miles in length with 8 or 9 timing points.

Listen to Air Racers about their Racing Experiences during this Fireside Chat with the ARC and the 99s!

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Ready to enter, volunteer, or sponsor the Race? Visit Get Involved to get started.

Revisit the 2024 Race, with the Race in Review slideshow

Watch the Facebook Live awards show, in full.

Help us encourage and educate current and future women pilots and increase public awareness of general aviation!

01/22/2025Gulf Coast News Announces Registration Opening 01/02/2025Registration Opens for Air Race Classic 06/27/2024ARC Air Derby registration starts 8/15/2024

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About the Stops
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The Race Route

Our 2025 Race Route

Start – Fairhope, AL (KCQF)

H.L. "Sonny" Callahan Airport is a growing public use airport serving Fairhope and southern Baldwin County. Located on the Eastern Shore of the Mobile Bay and just a short drive to the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, it is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the State of Alabama. Ranked #1 of the 15 most beautiful coastal towns in the south by Southern Living, the city of Fairhope boasts a charming flower-filled downtown shopping district, filled with art galleries, restaurants and over 100 unique shops.

1. Starkville, MS (KSTF)

George M. Bryan Field, named in honor of World War II veteran and Starkville native, George Martin Bryan, is located 3 miles southwest of downtown Starkville. The town of Starkville is known as "Mississippi's College Town" because of its proximity to Mississippi State University and their shared entertainment and cultural opportunities. Starkville Mayor, Lynn Spruill, was the first female Navy aviator to qualify on an aircraft carrier in a fixed wing aircraft. The airport opened in 1934 and was used for glider training during World War II. Today, the airport has a 5550' X 150' runway and offers full and self-serve Jet-A and 100LL fuel and a full-service FBO.

2. Harrison, AR (KHRO)

Boone County Regional Airport is in the heart of the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. Harrison is a short drive to the Buffalo National River, hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and is just 35 miles south of Branson, MO, a favorite vacation destination. Harrison is also home to the Annual Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championships. The airport offers full and self-serve Jet-A and 100LL with a 6,160' grooved runway. The airport has commuter airline service provided by Southern Airways with daily flights to/from Dallas and Memphis.

3. McPherson, KS (KMPR)

McPherson Airport is situated in Central Kansas and plays an important role in supporting local industries—agriculture, manufacturing, small business. The airport has one paved 5503'x100' runway and a 2502'x75' turf runway and offers pilots a comfortable lounge, kitchenette, planning/conference room, crew car, snooze room, and overnight accommodations for small aircraft. Camping is also available near the terminal. The town of McPherson, with a population of around 14,000, supports sports, recreational and cultural activities, arts, and has two private colleges that offer competitive liberal arts education including the world-renowned automotive restoration program at McPherson College.

4. Sterling, CO (KSTK)

Sterling Municipal Airport is also known as Crosson Field, honoring Joe and Marvel Crosson who became early pioneers in Aviation. Marvel Crosson was the first female pilot in Alaska and one of the racers in the 1929 Women's Air Derby. Together, they discovered their love of aviation in Sterling, Colorado. Sterling Municipal Airport is located on the high plains of northeastern Colorado, sitting at an elevation of 4,037', with a 5,200' paved runway and a 2,809' grass/gravel crosswind runway. The airport is within 20 miles of several recreation sites and Sterling offers many local parks and recreation areas.

5. Gillette, Wy (KGCC)

Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport is located 4 miles north of Gillette, Wyoming in a major energy producing region known as the Powder River Basin. The community is proud of its natural resources and has been dubbed the Energy Capital of the Nation with 16 coal mines one of which, the North Antelope Rochelle Mine, has been recorded as the world's largest open pit coal mine. Gillette is set amongst rolling hills and open plains giving you an unobstructed view for miles. It is a convenient drive to Devils Tower National Monument, the Durham Buffalo Ranch, and the Bighorn Mountains revealing more of what Wyoming has to offer.

6. Rock Springs, WY (KRKS)

Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport in Southwest Wyoming sits at 6,750 feet ASL atop a mesa overlooking the beautiful high desert of Sweetwater County, the nation's eighth largest county in the US. Located just east of Rock Springs, RKS began its story as one of the original Air Mail stops and was later frequented by Amelia Earhart in various aircraft. Decades later, aviators are greeted by robust airfield infrastructure, a modern FBO, and a new commercial terminal nearing completion in 2025. In Southwest Wyoming, where memories are measured in miles explored, adventure is waiting. Learn more about Sweetwater County here: Explore Rock Springs & Green River.

7. Jerome, ID (KJER)

Jerome County Airport is located in south-central Idaho in an area known as Magic Valley where, in the early 1900s, dams and irrigation canals on the Snake River "magically" transformed the area into one of the most productive farmlands in the Northwest. Jerome is the second largest city in the Magic Valley and sits amidst an agricultural countryside, purple mountains to the north, and the Majestic Snake River Canyon to the South. Jerome County Airport is located three miles east of Jerome and has a 5002' by 75' runway and businesses that offer aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, air taxi flights to the backcountry, and restoration of vintage aircraft.

8. La Grande, OR (KLGD)

La Grande-Union County Airport is located in beautiful, secluded Northeast Oregon in the Grande Ronde Valley, just West of The Eagle Cap Wilderness. A great GA airport supporting USFS firefighting, agriculture, and medical operations. It is also a popular fuel stop for pilots heading to the Idaho Backcountry. La Grande has a rich history that dates back over 160 years. This area was originally inhabited by Native American Tribes including the Nez Perce and Cayuse. European-American settlers arrived in the 1860's as part of the Oregon Trail migration.

Terminus – Spokane, WA (KSFF)

Felts Field is situated along the idyllic Spokane River and is just five miles from downtown Spokane's vibrant arts, culture and culinary scene. One of the nation's oldest Airports, Felts Field has served as a favorite gathering place for aviation enthusiasts for more than 100 years. Primarily used for general aviation, the airport is home to two paved runways, a turf landing strip, plus it has the unique ability to accommodate water landings on the adjacent river. The airport boasts a 35,000-square-foot Aero Centers FBO facility and features several art deco-era motifs racers can spot upon their arrival.