Local running club, Knockbracken Runners and Carryduff Running Club laced up their running shoes to join over 500 participants in taking to the tarmac for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland’s annual 5K Runway Run at Belfast City Airport.
The unique late-night event saw individuals from across Northern Ireland, including several from Knockbracken Runners and Deborah Hoctor, Sara Edwards and Kate McIldowney from Carryduff Running Club, hit the runway at 11pm, which has so far raised over £40,000 in vital funds to support the lifesaving work of the charity.
Colleen Milligan, Business Development and Project Manager at Air Ambulance NI, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the incredible success of this year’s Runway Run at Belfast City Airport. This unique event, set against the unforgettable backdrop of the airport runway, simply wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of the amazing team at Belfast City Airport – we are sincerely grateful for their generosity and partnership.
“A huge thank you also to our new event sponsor, Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure, whose support has been nothing short of outstanding. Their enthusiasm, engagement and generosity made a real difference.
“We’re also deeply thankful to HOKA and Pure Running for their exceptional contributions of time, energy, and products – they’ve been a dream to work with.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Air Ambulance NI volunteers, both seasoned and first-timers, for giving their time on the night, and to our supporters Fierce and Mild, Gilfresh Produce, and Rocwell for kindly donating drinks and snacks to keep everyone fuelled.
“This event truly showcases what can happen when a community comes together, and we’re so proud and grateful to have such fantastic support and to see the vital funds raised going to support the lifesaving work of Air Ambulance NI.”
The Runway Run started in the main concourse with Johnny Hero and the U105 team and a warmup taken by HOKA before participants made their way through security.
HOKA also provided prizes for the top three male and female finishers.
Matthew Hall, Chief Executive at Belfast City Airport, said:
“The Runway Run has firmly established itself as a flagship event in our calendar, and we were thrilled to see such an enthusiastic turnout once again this year.
“At Belfast City Airport, we are in the heart of city and at the heart of our community, and it is fantastic to be able to support Air Ambulance NI in the essential work it does.
“We hope the funds raised go a long way in helping Air Ambulance on its mission to delivering care to the people that need it the most.”
Steve Turner, Managing Director at Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure, added:
“Air Ambulance is a charity that is close to our hearts, and we are delighted to be able to sponsor this event.”
For more information about Air Ambulance NI, visit airambulanceni.org
