Leeds Bradford Airport colleagues brave early hours to “Run the Runway” for local charity

In the quiet hours before the first flights of the day, scores of Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) staff members took to the tarmac yesterday for the inaugural "Run the Runway" charity event. Participants gathered at 3:30 AM to complete a unique 5km course across the airfield, raising vital funds for LBA’s charity of the year, Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly (AVSED).

The event, which saw LBA colleagues from across the entire airport take the place of planes on the runway, is a key initiative under LBA’s newly launched “Together for Tomorrow” sustainability strategy. Specifically aligned with the "Connecting Communities" pillar, the run aims to support local social value and charitable causes within the Yorkshire region.

Starting at 4:00 AM, this unique event had runners and walkers complete a full loop of the runway, before crossing the finish line exactly where they began. With runway lights on, the airfield was specially illuminated for the occasion by lighting rigs provided by event supporter AmcoGiffen.

All proceeds from the event are being dedicated to AVSED. Since 1992, AVSED has worked to reduce social isolation and loneliness among Aireborough seniors, helping them live happy, healthy, and independent lives through befriending, transport services, and social clubs.

Kunaal Wharfe, General Counsel and Company Secretary and DEI Executive Sponsor said:

“At Leeds Bradford Airport, we believe our growth must be inextricably linked to social value. Events like Run the Runway allow our team to come together – not just as colleagues, but as a community – to support our neighbours and the vital work done by organisations like AVSED.

A run might sound an easy event to organise, but coordinating access and multiple teams at a live, operational airport to facilitate a charity run is no mean feat. Many of our of our dedicated colleagues went above and beyond to make the event possible for which I am very grateful, allowing us to make a difference for both LBA and the wonderful work that AVSED undertakes.”

The event was made possible through the support of several local businesses which LBA was proud to work with:

· Clean Eats Kitchen, a meal prep business based in Skipton and Keighley, supplied goodie bags featuring gluten-free "Proats" pots, recovery drinks, and fresh meals for all finishers.

· XO Fitness, a specialist in expert personal training based in Ilkley, provided a pre-run expert warm-up to prepare participants, bringing energy and hype in the early hours.

· Farrans, LBA’s construction partner for the LBA:REGEN project, provided finisher medals and essential site facilities.

· AmcoGiffen, LBA’s longstanding infrastructure partner, provided lighting rigs showing the way for runners.

It is hoped that the event will be run in future years, broadening participants to the wider airport community and eventually the public.

Participants shared their experiences across social media using the hashtag #LBARunTheRunway, highlighting the rare opportunity to experience the runway on foot before morning departures and arrivals resumed at 5:00 AM.