Air Ambulance NI Runway Run returns to Belfast City Airport for 2025

L-R: Nicole Dallat, Apprentice Firefighter at Belfast City Airport, Owen Brown,  Firefighter at Belfast City Airport, Steve Turner, Managing Director at Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure, Colleen Milligan, Business Development & Project Manager at Air Ambulance NI, Seamus Kerlin, Estimator at Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure, and Jack Leatham, Firefighter at Belfast City Airport.

Air Ambulance NI has confirmed the return of its highly anticipated Belfast City Airport Runway Run, set to take place on 11 June 2025.

Supported by Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure, the event offers participants a rare opportunity to complete a 5K race on the airport’s runway while raising critical funds for the charity’s lifesaving services.

Following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, which saw 500 runners raise over £60,000, the 2025 Runway Run promises to be another landmark occasion.

Open to runners of all abilities, the race combines a unique experience with the chance to support Air Ambulance NI, Belfast City Airport’s chosen charity partner for 2024/2025.

Colleen Milligan, Business Development & Project Manager at Air Ambulance NI, highlighted the event’s significance.

“We’re teaming up with Belfast City Airport and Lagan Aviation for the second Air Ambulance NI Runway Run in Belfast – an unforgettable event that helps keep our essential service in the air,” she said. “With a yearly cost of £2.5 million to operate, every step our runners take helps ensure our medical team can reach those in need, delivering urgent pre-hospital care when and where it matters most.”

Colleen underscored the charity’s reliance on public generosity. “Our service depends entirely on public support, and this is a fantastic way for the community to come together, have fun, and help us continue to provide critical care across Northern Ireland,” she added.

The Runway Run has become a flagship event for Belfast City Airport, blending community engagement with a worthy cause.

Michelle Hatfield, Chief People and Marketing Officer at the airport, expressed enthusiasm for the race’s return.

“The Runway Run is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of community spirit in the heart of the city and a chance to give back,” she said. “The overwhelming success of last year’s event showed how deeply this cause resonates with our staff, partners, and the wider public, and we can’t wait to see participants take on this unforgettable challenge in such a unique setting once again.”

This year’s event is bolstered by the support of principal sponsor Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure. Steve Turner, Managing Director, spoke of the company’s commitment to the initiative.

“We are honoured to be the Principal Sponsor of the Runway Run at Belfast City Airport,” he said. “As a long-standing supporter of Air Ambulance NI, Lagan Aviation is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance community well-being, and we look forward to contributing to the life-saving efforts of Air Ambulance NI.”

Turner added: “This event not only offers a unique experience for participants but also supports the vital work of Air Ambulance NI. Its critical emergency response is crucial for our community, and we are proud to be helping Air Ambulance NI continue its invaluable mission.”

Adding to the excitement, HOKA, a renowned brand celebrated for its innovative running shoes, will provide prizes for the top three male and female finishers, offering an extra incentive for competitive runners.

The Runway Run not only raises vital funds but also shines a spotlight on Air Ambulance NI’s indispensable role in delivering rapid, pre-hospital care across Northern Ireland. With no government funding, the charity depends on events like this to sustain its operations, ensuring its medical team can respond swiftly to emergencies.

Participants can look forward to a memorable evening, racing on a runway typically reserved for aircraft, all while contributing to a cause that saves lives.

Registration is now open, and those interested are encouraged to sign up early to secure their place.

For more details or to register, visit www.airambulanceni.org/belfast-runway-run.