The Air Race Classic (ARC), the longest-running all-women pilots’ cross-country air race in the United States, is excited to announce that registration for the 2026 race will close March 31st. This historic 49th annual race will take place from June 23–26, 2026, highlighting the rich aviation heritage of the Midwest and Southeast.
The 2026 race route spans approximately 2,400 nautical miles, beginning at St. Louis Regional Airport (KALN) in East Alton, Illinois, and concluding at Mount Vernon Airport (KMVN) in Illinois. Along the way, teams will test their skills and endurance through a series of enroute stops.
The 2026 race route includes stops in Frankfort, Kentucky (KFFT), Spartanburg, South Carolina (KSPA), Douglas, Georgia (KDQH), Tanner, Alabama (KDCU), McComb, Mississippi (KMCB), Russellville, Arkansas (KRUE), St. Joseph, Missouri (KSTJ), and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (KPDC).
The Air Race Classic continues to be the epicenter of women’s air racing, bringing together pilots of all experience levels—from college students to veteran racers. The Air Race Classic, Inc. looks forward to welcoming teams as they celebrate 97 years of women’s air racing.
Full eligibility details, the E-01 Rules, registration links, and further information on the race, visit www.airraceclassic.org.