John Bird, an Air Canada 787 captain based in Vancouver, doesn’t let a busy flight schedule stop him from staying active. “I can just throw a set of shoes in there,” he said, referring to how he uses layovers to get in his miles. With more than 25 marathons under his belt, Bird has merged his love of running with his aviation career and a passion for giving back.
John Bird, an Air Canada 787 captain based in Vancouver, doesn’t let a busy flight schedule stop him from staying active. “I can just throw a set of shoes in there,” he said, referring to how he uses layovers to get in his miles. With more than 25 marathons under his belt, Bird has merged his love of running with his aviation career and a passion for giving back.
This year, John Bird became a symbol of innovation and generosity when he completed a half marathon in his full pilot uniform, luggage in tow, to raise funds for Dreams Take Flight, a Canadian charity that gives children facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges the trip of a lifetime. Running in full regalia, Bird raised over $18,000 CAD and brought nationwide attention to both his cause and his clever approach to merging identity with impact.
The Idea Behind the Uniform
The inspiration for Bird’s uniformed run came during his participation in the London Marathon, a renowned event for its colorful fundraising efforts and Guinness World Record attempts. “You see everything from people running in ski boots to giant fruit costumes,” Bird recalled. Curious, he researched the Guinness record for running a half marathon in a pilot’s uniform. When he saw that the category was open for challengers, he saw an opportunity.
“I thought it would be a neat way of connecting my professional life and personal life with a charity that involves so many aviation professionals,” said Bird.
Bird reached out to Dreams Take Flight, a nonprofit he had previously donated to but never worked with directly. The organization, which has been operating since 1989, charters Air Canada aircraft once a year to take children with special needs to Disneyland or other magical destinations, providing them with an unforgettable experience they might otherwise never enjoy.
“It felt like a perfect fit. The idea just took off,” Bird happily shared.
Race Day
The run itself, part of the Calgary Marathon series, began at 7:00 AM. Bird wore his full pilot uniform, complete with shirt, tie, hat, aviator sunglasses, and a rolling bag.
“It was hot,” he admitted. “I was sweating right down to my socks. But the crowd support was spectacular. I don’t think I went more than a few hundred meters without someone shouting encouragement.”
The uniform met Guinness’ minimum standards: the shirt, epaulettes, pilot’s hat, and aviator sunglasses would have sufficed. But Bird went further, bringing his real work bag to enhance the authenticity and challenge.
“The bag rolled surprisingly well. I used my personal Luggage Works Stealth 22 bag with the carbon fiber frame and Luggage Works wheels. It hummed along and probably could’ve done a full marathon,” he said proudly.
His footwear? Not his work shoes. “I wore a pair of racing shoes I had just used in the Boston Marathon. They’re black, so they looked pretty close to my work shoes, which kept the look professional.”
Captain John Bird completed the half marathon in 1 hour, 43 minutes — well under the 2-hour Guinness World Record limit. Understandably, it was a bit slower than his best time of 1 hour, 23 minutes.
Gear That Goes the Distance
Bird’s unique race attire has sparked some interest. It’s not every day that pilot gear is put to the test of a half marathon.
For the run, he wore:
A Flight Worth Taking
Dreams Take Flight isn’t just about getting on an airplane. It’s about giving children an experience filled with joy, normalcy, and wonder. Each chapter of the organization across eight Canadian cities works tirelessly to orchestrate a single annual trip, providing support to children facing unique challenges.
Bird explained,
“Many of these kids have never flown before. A lot of them can’t travel without large medical or emotional support groups. Dreams Take Flight charters an Air Canada jet, assembles a huge volunteer team, and makes it all happen. It’s really powerful. They vet the kids to ensure the experience will be beneficial. They even compile a memory book with photos from the trip and present it to each child before they head home. The level of care is incredible.”
From Layovers to Laps
Bird has long woven running into his life as a pilot. “I started running in high school, like a lot of people. Life took over for a while, but once I began flying professionally, it became the perfect layover activity,” he said.
Running offered both a break from routine and a way to stay fit on the road. Since running his first marathon in Toronto in 2013, Bird has completed over 25 marathons, countless half-marathons, and even became a certified running coach.
“I started mentoring other runners. It’s been a natural extension of something I love. I especially enjoy running in cities where the weather contrasts with Canadian winters, like LA in January.”
He often packs a simple running kit in his travel luggage, proving that fitness doesn’t have to fall by the wayside when working a job with unpredictable hours and far-flung destinations.
At 49 years old, Bird balances his career, his love for running, and family life as a father of four. He often runs alongside his wife Claire, also an avid runner, and together they’ve completed most of their marathons side by side.
Community, Charity, and the Next Challenge
Bird’s run in uniform didn’t just raise funds, it captured attention far beyond the finish line. “Oftentimes, I get on a flight now and there’s at least one person who asks, ‘Are you the guy who ran in uniform?’” he chuckled.
The Calgary running community also embraced him. As a pace runner for the Calgary Marathon in previous years, Bird knew the event and the people behind it. Their support, combined with the warm reception from the Dreams Take Flight team, made the entire journey especially meaningful.
He also received an outpouring of support from his colleagues within the aviation industry, especially fellow crew members and staff at Air Canada. Bird, who has been a pilot at Air Canada since 2006, said, “Many coworkers donated generously and shared the campaign widely. It really speaks to the tight-knit nature of the aviation community. Even though we’re spread across flights and time zones, they showed up in full force. It reminded me how connected we really are.”
As for what’s next?
“I might need to find a new challenge. Maybe a longer distance, or perhaps another unique outfit,” he joked. “But if it can raise money and awareness again, I’d absolutely do it.”
One of the most touching elements of Bird’s story is how it illustrates the intersection of seemingly unrelated worlds: aviation, competitive running, and child-focused philanthropy. His efforts have brought attention to a longstanding but lesser-known charity, sparked broader conversations about community service in the pilot community, and demonstrated how personal passion can fuel powerful change.
He didn’t need corporate sponsorships or flashy campaigns. Just his uniform, a good pair of shoes, and a heart ready to run.
To support Dreams Take Flight or learn more about their work, visit: dreamstakeflight.ca
Follow the Calgary chapter on Instagram for updates and stories from the children they serve.
