Every step saves lives at the Air Ambulance NI City of Derry Airport 5K Runway Run

The popular 5K at City of Derry Airport will take place on Saturday, April 25, giving participants the unique opportunity to run or walk along the airport runway after flights have finished for the evening.

The event is open to runners and walkers of all abilities, with the local charity encouraging individuals, families, workplaces and local sports clubs to get involved.

All funds raised will help Air Ambulance NI continue to provide critical pre-hospital care across Northern Ireland. The service responds to serious trauma and medical emergencies on average twice every day.

H&A Group Sponsors City of Derry Airport Runway Run to Support Air Ambulance NI.

Carlus McWilliams, Managing Director, H&A Group commented: "H&A Group is proud to sponsor the City of Derry Airport Runway Run in support of Air Ambulance NI, a charity very close to our hearts. This vital, life-saving service is one our communities rely on every day, and we’re delighted to help support its incredible work.

"The Runway Run is a fantastic event that brings people together for an important cause, promotes fitness, and gives our team the opportunity to make a real difference across all the regions we work in."

The event will be hosted at the City of Derry Airport for the second year in a row.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director, City of Derry Airport, said: “We are extremely proud to host the Air Ambulance NI 5k Runway Run for a second year at City of Derry Airport. Air Ambulance NI provides a vital life-saving service with the most dedicated team who work around the clock to help anyone in need across the region at any given time.  Following the huge success of last year’s event which raised £15,000, we encourage runners and walkers of all abilities from across the country to sign up for this year’s 5k Runway Run. The event promises to be a fun-filled evening with prizes to be won and great memories to be made, all whilst supporting the amazing work of Air Ambulance NI."

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Previous participant, Marie Ferguson said: “I was delighted to do the Runaway Run / Walk last year to raise vital funds for the Air Ambulance. A few months prior to that - the Air Ambulance attended my daughter at the scene of a serious road traffic collision. It’s a miracle that my daughter survived this. A massive thank you to the air ambulance and to all the Emergency Services and the amazing doctors and nurses and staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Please participate in this event and support this vital charity that saves lives, limbs and organs.   You will thoroughly enjoy it.”

The event begins at 8pm and places are limited so early registration is strongly advised.

Registration costs £25, with a minimum sponsorship or donation of £100 to help save lives, brains and limbs. Every participant will receive an official Air Ambulance NI technical running top, a finisher’s medal and chip-timed results.

Head of Fundraising Kerry Anderson commented that the Runway Run is one of the charity’s most memorable events, combining a flat, fast course with a powerful fundraising purpose.

“Running along an airport runway is an unforgettable experience, but the real impact comes from the funds raised. Every pound helps Air Ambulance NI reach critically ill and injured patients when every second matters. We’re encouraging the local community to sign up, fundraise, and help save lives.”

The event will also feature warm-up entertainment, refreshments, and free parking for participants.

Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service which provides pre-hospital critical care at the scene of serious incidents and medical emergencies.

The service relies on public donations to cover its annual fundraising need of £3million. Involvement in events such as this one is pivotal to keep the helicopter flying when it is needed most.

Registration is now open here

Further information is available at Air Ambulance NI