Members of the public will be given one-day access to the runway at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) ahead of its opening, with a charity run and walk event scheduled for April 26, 2026.
The Runway Run/Walk will take place on the airport’s 3.7km runway before flight operations begin later in the year. The event will support Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
Mark Emerton, CEO of Elite Energy Events, which is delivering the Runway Run/Walk, said the location would make it a distinctive community and sporting event.
“By registering for Runway Run/Walk you are supporting Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, raising vital funds for Sydney’s world-class children’s hospitals (Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead), specialized care services (Bear Cottage and the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service) and Kids Research,” he said.
He noted that once the airport begins 24/7 international operations, similar access will no longer be possible: “Once aviation operations commence at Western Sydney International Airport, this level of community access will no longer be possible because it is a 24/7 international airport. So, participants are encouraged to register early at runwayrun.com.au to avoid missing out on this historic opportunity.”
Australia’s minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development, and local government, Catherine King, described the event as a rare opportunity to experience the new airport ahead of its opening.
“I’m excited to invite Sydneysiders to lace up, and put the run in runway,” said Minister King.
“Sunday April 26 will be a prime opportunity for runners and walkers to raise some money and take in every detail of the new airport, before the 3.7km runway readies for aircraft operations.”
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the event would provide behind-the-scenes access to the new runway.
“The countdown is well and truly on for WSI’s opening, but before that day comes we’re excited to welcome in community members for this special sneak-peak at their new airport where they’ll have the opportunity to run and walk on an international airport runway before the rubber really hits the road,” he said.
“And every entry fee will also lend a helping hand to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation that does incredible work supporting sick kids across our state, so every step you take will also be going toward that very worthy cause.”
The event will feature multiple distances, including a half marathon, 14km, 7km and 4km courses, using the full runway loop.
Elite Energy Events has organized mass participation endurance events in Australia since 1999.
Related news, Western Sydney International Airport begins operational readiness tests ahead of 2026 opening
