Running shoes instead of aircrafts pounded the Shannon Airport runway for a short period into the early hours of this morning as 1,200 hardy souls took part in the first ever runway run at an Irish airport.
The Bank of Ireland Midnight Runway Run at Shannon saw 1,200 runners make history as they raced their way along the unique 5km running track.
All landings and take-offs were temporarily suspended for the night-time Shannon Airport organised event, which raised over €15,000 for the Samaritans.
Led by Irish rugby legend Keith Wood and marshalled by almost 200 volunteers, including squad members of reigning All-Ireland U-21 champions Clare, the Runway Run proved a memorable night for all, not least Rory Maloney from Waterford who grabbed a piece of running history by becoming the first ever winner of such a race in Ireland, with a personal best time of 15mins 4secs.
The winner of the women’s race was Íde Nic Dhomhnaill, Newecastlewest who came home in 18mins 1secs.
Speaking afterwards, event ambassador Keith Wood, who was recently appointed Chair of the Healthy Ireland Council, said the event was as enjoyable as it was novel.
“I know from the organisers here at Shannon that they could have filled twice the 1,200 event capacity but I’m not surprised as it was such a unique event. We have landed on and taken off from this runway so many times but how many of us actually ever got to get out on one, let alone run a race on it. No wonder it was such a draw.
“It was a great idea by the airport as it is always great to be part of a ‘first’. Into the bargain it promoted healthy activity and raised a lot of money for a great charity in the Samaritans so in every sense there were winners all round here tonight.”
Shannon Airport CEO Neil Pakey, who started the event with a night-flare said: “Shannon has scored a huge amount of firsts over the years and this was another and a very novel one at that. The atmosphere was electric, right from the warm-up in the terminal building itself with 1,200 people being pumped up by ‘Mr Motivator’ Richie Clifford to the sea of orange t-shirted runners at the starting-line.
“It was a different speed to what normally goes on along a runway but very impressive times were posted, with the winner coming in with a personal best, so runners were clearly driven on by the uniqueness of the occasion.
