Runners will get to jog alongside the runway at Gatwick Airport in its annual run.

The race, a five-kilometre relay, is in aid of Magic Breakfast, a charity which provides healthy school breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.

The new route starts and ends at the Gatwick Aviation Museum, near the airport, and goes along the inner perimeter road, where planes will take off and land beside participants.

Relay runners will change over at the end of the runway, offering a "totally unique experience" for those racing.

The Argus: Winners from last year celebratingWinners from last year celebrating (Image: Gatwick Airport)

Registration to the race, on May 21, is free courtesy of Gatwick Airport, but each pair of runners is asked to raise a combined minimum of £150 for Magic Breakfast - the equivalent of 500 breakfasts for a hungry school child.


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 “Magic Breakfast is thrilled to be the charity partner for the Run Gatwick Charity Relay this year,” said Lindsey MacDonald, chief executive of Magic Breakfast.

“This is such an exciting event offering the rare chance for runners to get up close and personal with the planes as they take off and land.

In 2022, research by Magic Breakfast revealed that 94 per cent of its partner schools believe that poverty has increased in their school community in the past year.

A further 81 per cent believe that child hunger has increased, with almost all schools saying the cost-of-living crisis is the main driver behind these worrying figures.

The Argus: Runners will get spectacular views of planesRunners will get spectacular views of planes (Image: Gatwick Airport)

Lindsey said: “Breakfast makes a significant difference to many children, young people and their families, but we need your help.

"By taking part and pledging to raise £150 per running pair you can really help in our fight to end morning hunger as a barrier to learning, as well as enjoy a truly memorable run.”

The flat course is on fully closed roads, offering what Gatwick Airport says is a “fantastic opportunity to fly along for a personal best”.

The race also offers on-site parking, entertainment along the route and free runner photos.

  • Those interested can sign up on the Run Series website here: https://www.runseries.co.uk/run-gatwick