4km Start Photos: Noel Rowsell
OVER 20,000 people were at Western Sydney International on Sunday morning 26th April, participating in the WSI Runway Run/Walk.
Celebrating Australia’s most significant aviation project in more than 50 years, the public had unprecedented access for one day to the runway at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), in a historic event in support of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
Prior to the event, Mark Emerton, CEO of Elite Energy Events, said that Runway Run/Walk’s location ensured that it would be a unique community and sporting event and an equally important opportunity to help change the future for sick kids.
By registering for Runway Run/Walk, participants were supporting Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, raising vital funds for Sydney’s world-class children’s hospitals (Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead), specialised care services (Bear Cottage and the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service) and Kids Research.
“Once aviation operations commence at Western Sydney International Airport, this level of community access will no longer be possible because it is a 24/7 international airport,” Mr Emerton said.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the Runway Run/Walk would give runners and walkers special behind the scenes access to the airport’s brand new 3.7km runway, before it welcomes its first passengers and planes later this year.
“The countdown is well and truly on for WSI’s opening, but before that day comes, we’re excited to welcome in community members for this special sneak-peak at their new airport, where they’ll have the opportunity to run and walk on an international airport runway before the rubber really hits the road.
“And every entry fee will also lend a helping hand to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation that does incredible work supporting sick kids across our state, so every step you take will also be going toward that very worthy cause.”
Half marathon.
Kristina Keneally, CEO at SCHF said “By taking part in the Runway Run/Walk, every participant will help support sick kids and their families across NSW, because a portion of every registration goes directly to supporting the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network — including our two children’s hospitals at Westmead and Randwick.
“This is an extraordinary moment in NSW history, and by choosing to support SCHF, runners will leave a lasting impact for sick kids. By fundraising for SCHF, you help ensure every child has access to the healthcare they need, whenever and wherever they need it,” she said.
The Western Sydney International Airport course delivers one of the flattest, widest and fastest courses in Australian history. It is purpose built for precision, scale and speed and Runway Run/Walk drew over 20,000 participants from across Sydney, including interstate runners, aviation enthusiasts and those seeking a truly unique sporting and historical experience.
Runway Run/Walk offered a 3.7 kilometre runway loop, offering multiple distances, including: Half Marathon, 14km, 7km and 4km events. At the time of writing, the event had raised well over $100,000 for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
