'Fantastic finish' for the fifth and final Runway Run

Monday 16 September 2019

More than 420 runners completed a 5K run on Guernsey Airport’s runway for the fifth and final Crimestoppers Speak Up Stay safe Runway Run on Saturday.

The night-time run, organised by charity Crimestoppers, offered people the experience of running the length of the runway guided by the landing lights and a full moon.

Prizes were awarded to the fastest male, female, veterans (45 and over) and under 18 runners. A trophy was also presented to the fastest team made up of three to six runners. 

Nick Mann was the first across the finish line in a time of 16.51. Summer Woodhead was the first female and under 18 runner to complete the 5K in 19.05 and follows her success in 2018. 

The fastest veterans were Graham Merfield (17.16) and Gina Rowe (22.02). Not for the first time, Specsavers took the title of fastest team. 

Pictured: L-R Nick Mann, Graham Merfield and Summer Woodhead. 

Mike Smith, Chairman of Crimestoppers and the organiser of the event, said: “This was a fantastic way to end the Crimestoppers Runway Run; a record number of tickets were sold for the event, the most participants treading runway and the conditions were absolutely perfect for it with a clear sky and full moon. Memorable!

“The Crimestoppers Speak Up Stay safe Runway Run has taken place every year for the past five years and every year it has grown thanks to the tremendous support from many organisations including Guernsey Airport, Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS), Guernsey Aero Club, Civil Protection Unit, our sponsors along with a fantastic group of volunteers.

“We started the runway run to offer a unique sporting event for the local community and to help raise the profile of Crimestoppers and its role in keeping our islands safe and it’s done just that. It has also been a fantastic fundraising event for the Crimestoppers charity and the Channel Islands Air Search, which has hosted the event at its hangar for the past four years. I’d like to thank every single person who has been involved in the events and helped to make them such a success.” 

It is estimated that over £7,500 was raised for charity at the event this year.

On the night Mr Smith paid tribute to Gareth Williams, former Airport Director, who sadly passed away earlier this year, with the presentation of the Gareth Williams Memorial Trophy to the fastest male and female runners. The trophy will be donated to Guernsey Airport and put on display.

Ash Nicholas, Head of Aviation Services at the airport said: “The Gareth Williams Memorial Trophy is a fitting tribute in memory of a member of the airport management team who was sadly taken from us far too early.  Gareth was instrumental in the running of the first four Crimestoppers Runway events from an airport perspective and this Trophy will be a lasting memory of a valued work colleague and family man.”

Pictured top: The Runway Run 2019.