Over 200 runners and GARY LINEKER raced over four kilometres around the UK’s third biggest airport yesterday, raising over £7,000 as part of Manchester Airport and British Airways Runway Run.
Joined by a stellar line up including Gary Lineker, the mix of elite and fun runners dashed around Runway Two’s nature trail coming up close and personal to a range of aircraft including the double decker A380 and Dreamliner.
Raising money for Flying Start, British Airways global charity partnership with Comic Relief UK, and Medcare, Manchester Airports supported charity at the Wellspring Childrens Medical Centre in Kamutuuza, Uganda, the runners also got to enjoy a family fun day at the airports Runway Visitor Park, with a warm up under the wings of the famous Concorde and action-packed kids sports day.
Gary Lineker was also joined by seventies disco DJ Lionel Vinyl and Brazilian youth band Global Groves of Oldham, who provided entertainment throughout the day.
On the day, Gary Lineker commented:
”It is an absolute pleasure to be down here today supporting two such worthwhile causes. It’s even more pleasing to see so many people come down to give up their time and run”.
The winner of the run, who claimed a pair of British Airways flights to Paris or Barcelona was Carl Hardman from Dukinfield, who completed the course in just 20 minutes. On the win he said:
”I am delighted to have come first in the Manchester Airport and British Airways Runway Run. When I found out about the event I knew I wanted to take part, as it is such a unique opportunity. Nowhere else could you get up close to a host of planes, get some exercise and raise money for worthwhile charities.
”I am looking forward to my trip with British Airways”.
Others prizes on the day were awarded to second and third, most money raised and first child to finish.