Thousands take chance to run on airport runway

Thousands of runners took on a unique challenge by running the length of the runway at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

More than 2,500 adults and children completed either a 5.8km (3.6 miles) or a 3.5km (2.2 miles) route around the airfield on Saturday morning.

The airport shut in 2022 after previous operator Peel Group said it was no longer financially viable, but is expected to fully re-open in summer 2028 after millions of pounds worth of funding was secured last year.

"The community has really got behind what is likely to be the only chance to be part of something of this scale on the runway before we reopen," said Simon Hinchley, executive director of airport operations.

"It was fantastic to see so many runners taking part and having fun while raising funds for great causes," added Hinchley.

Runners took part in aid of various charities including the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, Active Fusion and Club Doncaster Foundation.

Organisers Emma Norton and Laura Hemstock praised the "incredible" response to the sold-out event.

"As runners ourselves this felt like such an amazing opportunity and so we thought it would be popular, but it has been beyond our expectations."

Doncaster mayor Ros Jones attended and said she was "delighted" to see the airport busy again.

"I want to see this many people and more as the airport really starts taking off because it's so important for the people of Doncaster," she said.

"It's the people's airport and they are showing it in their thousands today."

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