It is unique in Europe for a running race to be organized on a runway normally reserved for aerial traffic – even if only for a few hours. Budapest Airport will welcome its partners and a few lucky “civies” at its Runway Run charity race for the seventh time this year, where, in addition to the special atmosphere, runners help the work of two charities with their registration fees. The SUHANJ! Foundation provides sporting opportunities for people living with disabilities, whilst the British Anthony Nolan foundation supports bone marrow transplants for children.
Last year, the proceeds from the race amounted to 18.6 million HUF for the two organizations, which was handed over by the representatives of Budapest Airport.
Budapest Airport staff members are already making preparations for the race in August, and the company’s management is leading by example. Chief commercial officer Kam Jandu recently ran his tenth marathon in London at the age of 50, representing Budapest Airport. Just as with the Runway Run, the London Marathon was focused on charity, of which Kam is especially proud, as this year he raised almost 800 000 HUF for the Anthony Nolan foundation that will once again be one of the beneficiaries of the race in Budapest. “Running is a fantastic feeling in itself, but in a special environment such as Budapest Airport, the race in August will be a truly uplifting experience for all participants and for the great causes that we are supporting,” commented Kam.
The event, now in its seventh year, has collected a total of 61.5 million HUF for charity so far.
As in previous years, the number of participants is limited to 1000, primarily for safety and security reasons. For children aged 6-15, the distance to complete is 1.5 km. Adults have a choice of 5 km, or the longer distance of 10 km.
This one-of-a-kind aviation running race is open to Budapest Airport’s partners, such as Airbus Industries, Qatar Airways, international auditors KPMG, Mercedes Benz Hungary, Travelport, SITA, Z&Z, Wizz Air, AirLingus, Emirates, Heinemann Duty Free, Memories of Hungary and SSP. The National Police Headquarters, the Airport Police Directorate and Disaster Management all participated with teams of their own last year. “Civies” who would like to take part should watch Budapest Airport’s Facebook page over the coming months, where 60 runners will be given the chance to enter, as part of a competition.