Television personality Vernon Kay will be hitting the ground running when he lands at Manchester Airport to officially start the charity runway run in aid of Comic Relief.
The event is the global charity partnership between British Airways and Comic Relief UK and organised by British Airways and Manchester Airport.
The presenter and game show host from Bolton will sound the horn to start the unique annual 6km race around the Manchester Airport runways in aid of Flying Start, British Airways’ global charity partnership with Comic Relief, and the airport’s charity CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.
A keen sportsman himself, Vernon will chat to runners and supporters and present medals to all the finishers.
British Airways and Manchester Airport have teamed up for the second year to give people the chance to run – or walk – around the busy runways and raise cash for the charities. The event is open to everyone, not just airline and airport staff.
From the more advanced runners, to joggers, walkers and family fun-runners, on Sunday March 13 2016 they will all have the opportunity to spot passing planes up close, as they follow the 6km route around the perimeter of the UK’s third largest airport.
Participants will be required to raise a minimum of £30 in order to take part, which is in lieu of an entry fee.
Prizes, which include long haul British Airways flights, will be awarded for
- 1stplace overall
- 2ndplace overall
- 3rd place overall
- 1st place junior (Under 16)
- Best fancy dress categories
- Best fundraiser for money raised
There will also be a family fun day at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park, located to the west of the airport, while the runners complete the course.
Participants will follow a specially designated route around Manchester Airport’s runways, which takes on the Runway Two Nature Trail through the Bolin Valley, as well as being within ‘spotting distance’ of inbound and outbound aircraft, landing and taking-off.
Those competing at a more leisurely pace will be able to read information boards around the Trail giving information on woodlands and grasslands, ponds, the River Bollin tunnel, bats, archaeology and a sculpture of the British Airways Concorde made out of willow.
Activities at the Runway Visitor Park will include a 60s disco style warm up, face painting and races for young children on a special running track set out around Concorde.
They will also be encouraged to raise money for the charities and the child who raises the most will win return British Airways flights to London and a family ticket to KidZania, the UK’s first educational entertainment experience for kids aged four to fourteen.
There will also be a tombola with excellent prizes provided by World Duty Free up for grabs, including Ted Baker sunglasses, fragrance sets and Jack Daniels whiskey.
To find out more information about the Run Around the Runway Run event or to sign up, visit the airport charity page.