Two hundred early risers have raised £4,000 for charity after completing London Luton Airport’s (LLA) annual Runway Race.

The event provides a unique opportunity for runners of all abilities to race the length of the airport’s 1.3-mile runway (2.2km) and back again. The race takes place between 4.30 and 5.30am, whilst the runway is closed to flights.

This year’s race, the first since before the pandemic, was organised to support LLA’s two charity partners, Luton Foodbank and East Anglian Air Ambulance. The line-up included airport employees and members of the public from across Bedfordshire and surrounding counties.

LLA Operations Director Neil Thompson, who took part in the race, commented: “The runway run is an event that is now firmly established as a milestone in the LLA calendar. There is always so much excitement and enjoyment around this event and we were delighted to welcome so many runners who arrived at 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: “Our charity partnership with LLA is helping to raise awareness of our work and is providing vital fundraising support that will enable our airborne doctors and critical care paramedics to continue saving lives. As a charity, we rely almost entirely on public support and the runway run is a fun and creative approach to raising much-needed funds for our life-saving operation in Luton and the surrounding areas.”

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.”

 

About London Luton Airport:                                                                                                                                        

London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports despite Covid-19, carrying 58 million passengers in the past five years.

The airport is operated by a consortium of which the majority shareholder is AENA, the world’s largest airport operator, and AMP Capital, a specialist global investment manager. Airlines include easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, Blue Air, FlyOne, Sun Express and El Al.

LLA was the first UK airport to receive the Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) for health and hygiene measures introduced during the pandemic.

Passengers travelling by rail can reach the airport via a half-hourly express rail service which operates between London and Luton Airport Parkway. In addition, work is nearly complete on a £225 million light rail system linking the airport with Luton Airport Parkway station. The project is being delivered by the airport owners, Luton Rising – a company owned by Luton Council.

LLA is awaiting final approval to raise its annual passenger cap by 1 million, to 19 million. It will not require any physical changes or new construction at the airport and will prepare the airport to support the recovery of the local and national economy as demand for travel returns.

Contact Details:

London Luton Airport Press Office 01582 395333
pressoffice@ltn.aero

URL: https://mediahub.london-luton.co.uk/news/08072022/london-luton-airport-runway-run-raises-funds-for-charities