Eastern Airways Runway Run Taking off for Charity
A charity run with a difference on the runway at Aberdeen International Airport is taking off in the hope of landing cash for charity.
The Eastern Airways Runway Run will give up to 50 runners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run the length of the airport’s runway and back again, covering 2.42 miles or around 4km.
The event will take place at midnight over Saturday, September 21 into Sunday, September 22, when the runway will be clear of aircraft and illuminated by the airfield lights, against a picturesque backdrop of the city of Aberdeen at night.
For a registration fee of £35 and a commitment to raise a minimum of £350 in sponsorship, participants will be provided with refreshments and an Eastern Airways medal to mark their achievement.
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All proceeds will be donated to CLIC Sargent, the national cancer charity for children and young people and their families, which provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support.
The fundraiser is being organised by George Walker Event Management and sponsored by the UK’s second largest regional airline Eastern Airways, which operates more aircraft movements from Aberdeen International Airport’s runway than any other carrier.
Kay Ryan, Eastern Airways’ commercial director, said: “We are pleased to be supporting CLIC Sargent with our Runway Run, which also gives our staff the chance to take part. This is such an unusual event, and of course, the busy runway is usually a no-go area for the public so it offers a rare chance to run the route normally reserved for aircraft.
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“I’m sure this event will capture imaginations as we see runners taking part to raise a lot of money for this worthwhile cause.”
Organiser George Walker said: “Having organised many charity events over the years, we appreciate that fundraisers are always looking for a new challenge and here it is, our first ever Eastern Airways Runway Run.”
Sarah Campbell is the chair of the Aberdeen International Airport Community Panel, and is helping to organise The Eastern Airways Runway Run.
She said: “For any runner this will surely be an once-in-a-lifetime experience which none of them will ever forget. Supporting local charities and being part of the community is a core part of our business, so when this idea was first tabled it presented us with an exciting opportunity to use our diverse and often fascinating infrastructure for a good cause.
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“One only has to watch the many and varied ‘behind-the-scenes’ airport TV shows to see that there is a public demand to get a glimpse at the inner workings of our industry – and on that level I am sure that this event will appeal to runners and airport enthusiasts alike.
“Anyone who has ever stood on an airport runway at night will understand that it provides a completely unique perspective on the city and I am sure that this will be a popular event.”
Belinda Babin, CLIC Sargent’s Fundraising Manager Grampian and Shetland, added: “With the first ever exciting Eastern Airways Runway Run, CLIC Sargent is delighted to have this great opportunity to be part of a unique event to raise funds for our vital work in the North- east of Scotland supporting children and young people with cancer and their families.
“We encourage folk from far and wide to be part of something very special and at the same time help us make a difference to families who desperately need our support.”
Runners will each be allowed to bring one guest to join them on the airfield and watch the race, following a full briefing and security screening. All participants and guests must be pre-registered.
Aberdeen International Airport handles more than 200 flights on an average day, including Eastern Airways flights to Stavanger, Wick, Stornoway, Newcastle, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Leeds-Bradford, Cardiff, Humberside, Southampton, Scatsta and Norwich.