More than 2,600 people from across the East Midlands joined a unique family sports event around East Midlands Airport on Sunday November 27 to raise money for CLIC Sargent – the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people and their families.
The route for the EMA 10k and 2k Run was around parts of the airport which are usually reserved for staff members.
The EMA time chipped 10k and 2k family fun run coincided with the closure of the airport for a runway refurbishment programme for seven consecutive weekend 48-closures in November and December to enable the runway to be resurfaced.
East Midlands Airport teamed up with Derby-based HUUB Events to organise the event. It was sponsored by UK construction company Galliford Try which is leading the programme of works to resurface the airport runway and taxiways, install new airfield ground lighting and attend to all associated lining earthworks and drainage.
The first three male runners who crossed the finishing line of the 10k were Ben Rhodes (22) from Heanor who finished in 33 minutes. He was closely followed by pilot Matthew Nutty who is a pilot with Donair, based at the airport, and Ian Duffin from Swanwick.
The ladies’ winners were Lisa Deacon from West Bridgford, Nottingham, who finished in just over 38 minutes, followed by Natalie Teece from Melton Mowbray and Clare Fowell from Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
The 2k family run was won by Corey Rose (12) from Weston on Trent who is a member of Derby AC closely followed by George Johnson (13) from Loughborough whose father was busy working on the runway refurbishment whilst the race took place.
Jack Kelly, Head of External Affairs at East Midlands Airport, said: “This has been an opportunity of a lifetime to join a unique running event and to raise money for a fantastic charity which supports so many local people.
“We have been delighted with the response from local people and with the work of so many of our own staff who have volunteered to be part of today.”
Claire Duffin from HUUB Events was delighted with the success of the day. “The places available were taken up weeks ahead of the race and we have had calls from hundreds more people wanting to be on the waiting list.
“The weather conditions were perfect and everybody got into the spirit of the event – to challenge themselves on a flat but interesting course and to raise money for CLIC Sargent.”
Last year CLIC Sargent provided clinical, practical and emotional support for over 650 children and young people with cancer as well as their families – helping them cope with cancer and get the most out of life.
CLIC Sargent Fundraising Manager Anna Finnegan said: “As part of our ongoing partnership with East Midlands Airport, we were absolutely thrilled to be the EMA 10k and 2k nominated charity.
“We hope to have raised thousands of pounds today to provide these vital services.”