PENSACOLA, FLA. (September 21, 2022) – The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (NAMF) will host its 3rd annual Onward & Upward Virtual Race throughout October to celebrate the U.S. Navy’s TOPGUN pilots and program. Open to participants nationwide, the Onward & Upward Virtual Race registration portal opens October 1.

The U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, also known as TOPGUN, is an elite strike fighter air division that started in 1969 as the United States Fighter Weapons School. This program selects and trains our nation’s best strike fighter pilots, currently training in F/A-18 jets.

The Navy’s TOPGUN program received worldwide recognition after the 1986 film, “Top Gun,” set box office records. The elite fighter jet training program received international spotlight, once again, more than 30 years later in this year’s movie sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”

The Onward & Upward virtual race allows participants to choose the distance, time and place to complete the race, anytime between October 1-31. Participants can register online for the 1 mile, 5K or 10K distance for a $35 registration fee. All participants will receive a sliding F/A-18 jet and pilot aviators race medal and a digital race bib.

“Help us reach our goal of 1,400 national participants for our 3^rd Annual Onward and Upward virtual race. We want our participants to celebrate our nation’s best while being active outdoors,” said retired Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad, president and CEO of NAMF. “We encourage all participants to share their running courses, photos and stories on social media and remember to tag the museum to their stories.”

Participants are asked to use #OnwardUpward and tag @navalaviationmuseum for all social media posts.

All proceeds support the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation which helps support the National Naval Aviation Museum, National Flight Academy, DoD STARBASE, and the Flight Adventure Deck —which advances STEM education for our nation’s youth. We promote the history and heritage of Naval Aviation for current and future generations.

To register for the Onward and Upward Virtual Race, visit https://navalaviationfoundation.org/virtualrace/ or contact the Museum Foundation for more information at namfoffice@navalaviationmuseum.org.

Media Note:For more information about the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, contact Carmela Cook at 850-308-8937 or email ccook@navalaviationmuseum.org.

About the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation

The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation is the nonprofit, 501(c)(3), sole benefactor to the National Naval Aviation Museum—and the fuel that allows the museum to take flight. The Foundation is responsible for funding all museum operation, expansion and activity. The Foundation works diligently to raise funding through gifts and memberships. All funding, aside from Foundation staffing and operational costs, goes to the operation, maintenance and enhancement of the museum, including museum expansion, aircraft preservation, conservation and maintenance, development of new exhibits and support of day-to-day functions—including custodial services, marketing, operation of the Museum’s various attractions (such as our Naval Aviation Memorial Giant Screen Theater, flight simulators, Blue Angels 4D Experience and Flight Deck gift shop), as well as the production of major events at the Museum. The Foundation also supports the advancement of STEM education through the National Flight Academy, a cutting-edge, aviation-themed learning experience.

About the National Naval Aviation Museum

The National Naval Aviation Museum features nearly 350,000 square feet of displays and is one of the world’s largest aviation museums. Located aboard Pensacola Naval Air Station, the facility boasts more than 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation, and is one of Florida’s most visited museums. Be sure to visit Hangar Bay One, displaying aircraft of the post-WWII era including the presidential helicopter, Marine One. Among the countless things to touch, see and experience are thrilling 3D and HD flight simulators and the new Blue Angels 4D Experience. Don’t miss the drama and power of the laser-powered Giant Screen digital theater. The Cubi Bar Café offers a unique dining experience, and the Flight Deck Store is the perfect place to find a souvenir that captures the spirit of Naval Aviation. Museum admission is FREE and open to the public. The National Naval Aviation Museum is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org