Join Aviation Action for Run the Runways: A Challenge for Suicide Awareness

Saturday 05 September (Live)

Tuesday 01 September - Wednesday 30 September (Virtual)

Humberside Airport, North Lincolnshire or anywhere you fancy (Virtual Entries)

Various distances (Virtual)

Flat runway (Live)

OVERVIEW

This September, join the aviation community on Aviation Action 'Run the Runways'. Since 2020, this inspiring and life-changing event has been raising vital funds for Aviation Action, the charity that's dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in the aviation industry. We're excited to announce the addition of an exclusive live race for 2026!

You do not need to be a runner. You do not need to be fast. Some days the runway is under 1500 metres and somedays it is nearly 4 kilometres - every single one of them counts! Run the Runways is your chance to make an impact.

WHAT DOES THE VIRTUAL CHALLENGE INVOLVE?

Every day throughout September, participants across the UK and beyond will run, walk or jog the length of a real airport runway. A different one everyday. Beginning on September 1st at Inverness, Scotland's most northerly commerical airport. Travelling south through 28 iconic UK strips: Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Gloucestershire, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Southend, Belfast and more. Closing on the 30th September at Frankfurt, one of Europe's greatest aviation hubs, on a runway stretching 4000 metres. Thirty days. Thirty runways. Nearly 69 kilometres of collective tarmac.

OUR LEGACY

Aviation Action has been running this challenge every year since 2020. In that time, our community has raised over £100,000 for mental health and suicide awareness in aviation. That is real money that has funded real support for real people in our industry. These funds have contributed to the delivery of training, equipping peer supporters and having someone on the other end of the phone when it mattered most. This event started on empty runways during a pandemic and has grown, year on year, thanks to the aviation community showing up for it. Every penny raised goes directly towards a future where no one in aviation faces their darkest moments without support. Lace up, step out and Run the Runways for our biggest year yet!

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

Aviation Action is the only mental health and wellbeing charity in the UK entirely dedicated to the aviation industry. We exist because aviation is different and the people who work in it deserve support that genuinely understands the aviation world.

The funds raised through Run the Runways 2026 will go towards two things:

1. Aviation Action's new independent peer support network: a confidential, aviation specific service where professionals can speak to someone who truly understands their pressures. Not a generic helpline. A peer. Someone who has sat in the same seat, worn the same uniform and worked the same shifts.

2. Mental health & suicide awareness training: delivered directly to aviation employers, teams and individuals across the UK. Practical, evidence based and built for this industry.

Suicide is not talked about enough in aviation. That silence costs lives and your support helps us change that.

LIVE RACE

The fast and flat live runway race is on Saturday 5th September. We ask all runners to arrive at 18:00 with a safety briefing at 18:45 and a race start for 19:00. All parking and logistic details will be sent closer to race day.

**Please note: no latecomers will be admitted**

REACH OUT TO AVIATION ACTION TODAY

If today is a hard day for you, please know that Aviation Action is here. You are not alone in this industry. You never were. Visit aviationaction.org or email hello@aviationaction.org

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

On 10th September, Day 10 of the challenge, we will be running the runway at Liverpool John Lennon Airport on World Suicide Prevention Day. We ask every participant to run that day with someone in mind. A colleague. A friend. Someone in aviation you have noticed has been quiet lately. Someone you wish you had checked in on sooner. You do not have to say anything out loud - just run and know that your steps are part of something that matters far beyond the miles.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 30 daily challenges

• Bespoke designed Run The Runways t-shirt (posted pre-event)

ENTRY FEE OPTIONS

• Live Event + Virtual: £50 + minimum sponsorship of £150

• Live Event + Virtual: £60 (no minimum sponsorship requirement)

• Standard Virtual UK Entry: £40 + minimum sponsorship of £150

• Standard Virtual UK Entry: £50 (no minimum sponsorship requirement)

• Standard European & ROW Virtual Entry: £48

Event information will be sent out to all registered entrants prior to race day

#RunTheRunways #AviationAction #mentalhealth #MentalHealthMatters #FundraisingForLife #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

Event Disclaimer

Please note, Nice Work is acting solely as a promotional and booking platform for this event, which is organised and delivered entirely by Aviation Action. We are not responsible for the organisation, management, safety, delivery or cancellation of this event. All event logistics and liability remain the sole responsibility of Aviation Action. Participation in this event is subject to the T&Cs set by Aviation Action.

Description supplied by the event organiser.