Every step saves lives as Air Ambulance NI Runway Run returns to City of Derry Airport

(L-R): Tracy Duffy (City of Derry Airport), Breige Mulholland (Air Ambulance NI), Carlus McWilliams (H&A Group), Steve Frazer (City of Derry Airport), Ian Crowe (Air Ambulance NI Trustee), Mareanne Bradley (H&A Group), Martin Collins (H&A Group) and Maressa McWilliams (City of Derry Airport).

An airport runway will once again become a racetrack for a life-saving cause this spring as runners and walkers prepare to take on the Air Ambulance NI 5K Runway Run at City of Derry Airport.

The popular charity event returns on Saturday 25 April 2025, offering participants a rare chance to run or walk along the airport runway after flights have finished for the evening.

Organisers say the event is open to people of all abilities, encouraging individuals, families, workplaces and sports clubs to take part while raising vital funds for the region’s helicopter emergency medical service.

All money raised will support Air Ambulance NI’s work providing pre-hospital critical care across Northern Ireland, where the service responds to serious trauma and medical emergencies on average twice every day.

The event is sponsored by H&A Group, whose Managing Director Carlus McWilliams said the organisation was proud to support a charity that many communities rely on.

“H&A Group is proud to sponsor the City of Derry Airport Runway Run in support of Air Ambulance NI, a charity very close to our hearts. This vital, life-saving service is one our communities rely on every day, and we’re delighted to help support its incredible work.

“The Runway Run is a fantastic event that brings people together for an important cause, promotes fitness, and gives our team the opportunity to make a real difference across all the regions we work in.”

City of Derry Airport will host the event for the second consecutive year following the success of the inaugural run. Last year’s event raised £15,000 for the charity.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport, said the airport was proud to once again open its runway to the public in support of the life-saving service.

“We are extremely proud to host the Air Ambulance NI 5k Runway Run for a second year at City of Derry Airport. Air Ambulance NI provides a vital life-saving service with the most dedicated team who work around the clock to help anyone in need across the region at any given time.

“Following the huge success of last year’s event which raised £15,000, we encourage runners and walkers of all abilities from across the country to sign up for this year’s 5k Runway Run. The event promises to be a fun-filled evening with prizes to be won and great memories to be made, all whilst supporting the amazing work of Air Ambulance NI.”

For some participants, the event carries a deeply personal meaning. Previous runner Marie Ferguson shared how the charity played a role in saving her daughter’s life.

“I was delighted to do the Runaway Run / Walk last year to raise vital funds for the Air Ambulance. A few months prior to that - the Air Ambulance attended my daughter at the scene of a serious road traffic collision. It’s a miracle that my daughter survived this.

“A massive thank you to the air ambulance and to all the Emergency Services and the amazing doctors and nurses and staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

“Please participate in this event and support this vital charity that saves lives, limbs and organs. You will thoroughly enjoy it.”

The run begins at 8.00pm, with organisers advising early registration as places are limited.

Entry costs £25, with participants asked to raise a minimum sponsorship or donation of £100 to support the charity’s work saving lives, brains and limbs. Each runner will receive an official Air Ambulance NI technical running top, a finisher’s medal and chip-timed results.

Head of Fundraising Kerry Anderson said the Runway Run has become one of the charity’s most memorable events.

“Running along an airport runway is an unforgettable experience, but the real impact comes from the funds raised. Every pound helps Air Ambulance NI reach critically ill and injured patients when every second matters. We’re encouraging the local community to sign up, fundraise, and help save lives.”

Participants can also expect warm-up entertainment, refreshments and free parking on the evening.

Air Ambulance NI operates in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, delivering pre-hospital critical care at the scene of serious incidents and medical emergencies.

The charity relies on public donations to meet its annual fundraising requirement of £3 million, meaning community events such as the Runway Run play a crucial role in keeping the helicopter flying when it is needed most.

Registration is now open: https://in.njuko.com/air-ambulance-ni-runway-run-city-of-derry-airport-2026

Further information is available at: airambulanceni.org/runway-run

At a glance

• Air Ambulance NI’s 5K Runway Run will take place at City of Derry Airport on Saturday 25 April 2025.

• Participants can run or walk the airport runway after flights have finished for the evening.

• The event returns for a second year after raising £15,000 in 2024.

• Entry costs £25, with participants asked to raise at least £100 in sponsorship or donations.

• Funds support the Air Ambulance NI helicopter emergency medical service, which responds to serious incidents about twice daily.

• Runners receive a technical running top, finisher’s medal and chip-timed results.

• Registration is open but places are limited, with organisers encouraging early sign-up.