Two hundred energetic early risers have taken part in London Luton Airport’s (LLA) 2023 Runway Run, raising £5,000 for the airport’s charity partners, Luton Foodbank and East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The event, which marks the start of the airport’s 85th birthday celebrations, provided runners of all abilities a rare opportunity to run the length of the LLA’s 1.3-mile (2.2km) runway and back again.
The annual race, now in its fifth year, takes place between 04.30 and 05.30, whilst the runway is closed to flights.
London Luton Airport celebrates its 85th anniversary on July 16th and has planned a range of events and activity to mark the occasion with passengers, staff and the community.
LLA Operations Director Neil Thompson, commented: “The runway run is the perfect way to kick off our 85th birthday celebrations. Despite the extremely early start it is now firmly established as one of our most popular fundraisers. It’s also hugely rewarding to see so many people arriving before dawn to have some fun and raise much-needed funds for these two amazing charities.”
Sarah Cunningham, Community Fundraiser for East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “The runway run is a fun and creative way to raise awareness and much-needed funds for our life-saving operation in Luton and the surrounding areas. All money raised enables our airborne doctors and critical care paramedics to continue saving lives. As a charity, we rely almost entirely on public support, so we are delighted to have extended our charity partnership with London Luton Airport for a further 12 months.”
Salma Khan, Manager of Luton Foodbank, commented: “A huge well done to London Luton Airport and all the runners who met at the crack of dawn to raise awareness and funds for our charity. We are working hard to eradicate food poverty in Luton and the support provided by LLA and the local community plays an essential role in supporting our efforts.”
