More than 500 people have taken on Air Ambulance NI’s Runway Run 5K at Belfast City Airport, raising in excess of £35,000 for the charity.
The event, which is the first of its kind for Air Ambulance NI, saw businesses and individuals take to the tarmac at Belfast City Airport for the race, which kicked off at 11pm.
First over the finishing line was Alastair Rodger, CME Group, who completed the race in 16 minutes and 13 seconds.
Hayley McAteer, Lagan Valley Athletics Club, was the first female to complete the race with a time of 19 minutes and 30 seconds.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, commented: “A big thank you to everyone that took place in our first ever Runway Run, raising an incredible amount for Air Ambulance NI – and there are still donations coming in!
“Belfast City Airport was the perfect backdrop for a unique and engaging fundraiser, and the feedback we have received from participants has been fantastic.
“It was wonderful to see people of all backgrounds coming together to raise awareness and money for Air Ambulance, which requires £2.5 million a year to sustain its operation, and it is events and donations like this that keep our service running.
“We are hugely grateful to the Airport for facilitating the Air Ambulance NI Runway Run and hope that this support will help us continue our mission to provide outstanding critical care where and when it’s needed most.”
The Runway Run started in the main concourse with MC Neal McClelland and a warm up taken by Fitness Belfast before participants made their way through security.
In addition to a team of 20 staff members from Belfast City Airport, businesses that took part included Citi Group Belfast, Thompson Aero Seating, Zenith Networks, ABL Group, and Movie House at the Jet Centre.
Air Ambulance NI is Belfast City Airport’s Charity Partner of the Year, and the Runway Run is one of many activities being undertaken to assist the charity its in fundraising and awareness efforts.
Matthew Hall, Chief Executive at Belfast City Airport, added: “At Belfast City Airport we pride ourselves of being in the heart of the city and at the heart of the community.
“The partnership with Air Ambulance aligns perfectly with our values, through supporting and raising crucial funds for a local charity that plays a vital role in saving lives across Northern Ireland.
“It was wonderful being able to be a part of such an exciting night, and we hope to continue this charity event in the future.”
To find out more, visit airambulanceni.org/
