London Southend Airport promote ‘Run-way’ Event for NHS

May 20, 2020

London Southend Airport has identified yet another opportunity to encourage positivity during this challenging time. The airport will host a charity run/cycle on Friday 29 May to help raise money for the NHS – and the best bit – it takes place on the runway itself!

Usually the logistics to arrange such an event would be almost impossible but with many flights grounded a member of the airport team identified the opportunity which couldn’t be missed.

Ryan Lupton, ATC “London Southend Airport has been supporting where possible throughout the pandemic, with flight operations reduced there was an opportunity to use the runway to help raise money for the NHS.”

Members of the airport have volunteered to run or cycle the length of the runway in stages as they hope to achieve a total of 290 kilometres – approximately the distance to Amsterdam.Social distancing will be maintained throughout by staggering start times and operating the run/cycle as a relay system. The runway is a total of 3.6 km on a return journey and participants will travel down one side, looping back and returning the opposite side enabling a 2-metre distance to be maintained.

The team have set up a Just Giving page for support and sponsorship – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/londonsouthendairport – all proceeds will be donated to the NHS. As an added incentive, all donations will be entered into a prize draw with #bearhugs teddies and a private tour of the control tower up for grabs. Terms and conditions apply. Please note the tour will only take place when safe to do so.

Glyn Jones, CEO Stobart Aviation: “We are thrilled to promote another great idea from one of our colleagues, this is something we have wanted to do for some time and the current climate offers an ideal opportunity. All participants will be fully briefed, and strict social distancing measures will be in place. I am extremely proud of our team who are working tirelessly at this time yet are still ready to embrace a new challenge and support the community.”