One of the most unusual events in the Highland fundraising calendar is set for take-off after being launched at Inverness Airport.
Run the Runway will see participants tackle a 5km course where the planes usually take off and land starting from midnight on August 25.
The event is a partnership between the airport and Maggie’s Highlands cancer support centre and this year they both hope to break their own fundraising records.
Last year was declared a “resounding success” after raising £29,000 with 110 people taking part but this year organisers are aiming to double the number of runners and reach the £50,000 mark.
Maggie’s Highlands fundraising manager Andrew Benjamin said: “It costs £480,000 a year to run Maggie’s – we don’t get any government funding, we don’t get NHS funding so it is events like this that we rely on.
“It is a big, big chunk of money and the best thing about this event is that they can raise money and have some fun at the same time – be part of something unique.”
Dan Mason the airfield operations manager for Inverness airport will help with organisation and agrees the event is special.
Mr Mason said: “It is a novelty, it is not entirely unique – there are other places that have done runway runs but not many people get to do it – it is not often you get to run on a runway in the middle of the night.”
Given airports are secure areas and the event is intended to be fun Mr Mason explained participants would not have to suffer the usual security search.
He said: “We don’t do any searches. That security element that we would normally do in the operational part of the day is closed down.
“So no one needs to be searched or go through metal detectors or anything, so you can come through dressed as anything you like and that will be fine.”
He added: “It was brilliant last year, really, really good atmosphere we had the DJ playing – everyone is just so excited for it with Dan Moore doing the warm up. Everyone is just really excited by it.”
Dan Moore of Dan Moore Elite Training will be leading the warm up and said he is delighted to take part as it is such a good cause.
“We as a gym sponsored the event last year and we ran the walking and running warm up groups last year.
He explained part of his motivation to support Maggie’s: “My mum used Maggie’s, she went through breast cancer treatment – she’s got the all clear now – and also I know a lot friends and family that have been affected.”
