London Heathrow Airport’s third midnight runway marathon has raised over £50,000 (US$67,000) for charity, with 350 runners from across the airport’s teams competing. The run took place on Heathrow’s northern runway after the airport had closed for the day.
The Midnight Marathon consists of 12-person relay teams, in which each team member is required to run a 2.2 mile (3.5km) stretch of Heathrow’s northern runway within a 16-minute time limit. The Marathon also includes a fun run section, where participants can run as many lengths as they can within the same 16-minute limit.
Runners from the airport’s baggage, IT and security teams and representatives from Ferrovial and Finance Investors ran and raised money for charity. Fifty-five volunteers also gave up their time to make this year’s event a success.
Paula Stannett, Heathrow Airport’s chief people officer, said, “We’re proud to have raised a record amount this year – over £50,000 for our four partner charities! The Midnight Marathon is an amazing opportunity to raise money for worthwhile causes, get active with colleagues in other areas of our business and to get a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in what’s got to be one of the most surreal settings – a closed airport runway.
“Well done to everyone who took part in the event and those who helped to make the third Midnight Marathon a success. Giving back to our local communities is very important to us here at Heathrow and we’re very grateful to everyone who ran, volunteered and donated.”
The funds raised will be split equally between four charities, Oxfam, Help for Heroes, Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS) and the Heathrow Community Fund which supports a variety of local projects and charity initiatives.
Alistair Lockhart, director of fundraising at Help for Heroes, added, “Help for Heroes is hugely grateful to Heathrow Airport and all those involved in their recent fundraising activities and everything they have done to support the Charity. We rely heavily on the generous donations raised which directly help rebuild lives. We’d like to thank everyone who has donated and helped support our beneficiaries and hope everyone has had lots of fun too!”
