Hawke’s Bay Airport offers chance to run the runway for 60th anniversary

Hawke’s Bay Airport is offering the chance to run the runway as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations.

The airport celebrated in 2024 by hosting a range of events to get the public involved in a photo competition and a new interactive kids’ play area has been installed as part of the anniversary.

The 4km fun run will take place between the last two flights of the day on February 1 and entries close on January 20.

Hawke’s Bay Airport manager of marketing and business growth Judi Godbold said more than a third of the available slots were already taken.

“The flight schedule allows for a perfect window of opportunity for runners to hit the course for an even better Run the Runway experience.“

Run the Runway places are strictly limited and entry is restricted to adult runners.

She said the light would be better at 6pm, and there was the added thrill of running on the third-busiest runway in the North Island before the final flight landed.

“We last staged Run the Runway in 2022 with restricted registration, but this time around we are opening the event up to the runners of Hawke’s Bay so that more people can enjoy this very special event.”

The event will be timed, with prizes for the top male and female competitors who have to register online.

Godbold said the time to beat from the 2022 event was to do it under 13 minutes and 20 seconds for those looking to take a competitive approach.

Hawke’s Bay Airport is a 24/7 operation so for safety reasons, Run the Runway places are strictly limited and entry is restricted to adult runners.

The entry fee is $20, with all entry fees collected going towards youth development organisation Graeme Dingle Foundation Hawke’s Bay.

Because the event is being held at an operating aerodrome, Godbold said Run the Runway could be cancelled on the day due to aeromedical requirements, flight delays, or weather conditions.

If the airport cancels the event, entry fees will be refunded.