Female pilots to take off from Grand Forks International Airport for transcontinental race

Image by Pexels
Image by Pexels

(Fargo, ND) -- An air race for female pilots will take off from Grand Forks International Airport Tuesday morning at 8:00. 

"This is the oldest women's transcontinental air race in the country. It dates back to 1929 to the first time women were allowed to participate in airplane racing," said Lara Gaerte, President of the Air Race Classic Board.

She spoke about the annual event called the "Air Race Classic"   

The current version of the 2,600 mile race across 12 states began in 1977.  

The race typically features anywhere from 100 to 150 competitors. 

A team from UND is participating. 

The competition ends Friday, June 23rd, in Homestead, Florida. 

Gaerte appeared on "What's on Your Mind" on AM 1100 The Flag.