More than 150 runners took part in a charity race around the runways of Manchester Airport on Sunday, raising almost £5,000 for two charities.
The 6km race was organised by Manchester Airport and British Airways to raise money for their two chosen charities – CLIC Sargent and Flying Start.
As well as the race a family fun day at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park also helped with the donations.
Bolton TV and radio personality Vernon Kay was on hand to present the prizes to the lucky winners and posed for photos with fans throughout the event.
Richard Keep, 33, from Birmingham, was the fastest around the course completing it in just 20 minutes and 8 seconds.
His efforts saw him win a pair of return long haul flights with British Airways.
Richard said: “I couldn’t believe it when I crossed the line first.
“It was a tough race with lots of competition, but such a fun and friendly event to take part in.
“The long-haul flights are an incredible prize, I’m sure there are going to be lots of people wanting to join me for the trip.”
Matthew Best, aged 14, was the fastest junior to get around the course and bagged himself four tickets to see Derren Brown at The Lowry Theatre.
Whilst the runners were being put through their paces out on the course hundreds of families enjoyed a fun day at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park.
Visitors were able to get a guided tour of Concorde whilst children were able to take part in mini races inside the hangar and have their faces painted.
Kay said: “I was delighted to be able to attend Run around the Runway and provide a helping hand for two great charities. I couldn’t believe how quick Richard managed to get round the course and he was a very deserving winner of the flights.”
CLIC Sargent is the new charity partner of Manchester Airport’s parent company, airport operator, MAG, and it was selected after polling airport workers to find out who they would like to support.
It provides clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help young people their families cope with cancer and get the most out of life.
The charity’s vision is to support children and young people with cancer from diagnosis onwards and it aims to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.
Flying Start is the global charity partnership between British Airways and Comic Relief UK, with the aim of raising money to help children living incredibly tough lives in the UK and around the world.
Since the start of the partnership in June 2010, over £12million has been raised.
