Walking the (airport) runway for fun and fundraising
Airport runways are usually exclusively used for taxiing planes, but many people in Nelson grabbed the rare opportunity to walk the tarmac instead.
About 3000 people strolled, ran, did yoga and gymnastics on the Nelson Airport runway on Saturday night.
It is only the second time the airport has allowed members of the public on the runway, after last year’s inaugural event was overwhelmingly popular, driving demand for a return.
Airport chief executive Mark Thompson said it felt a bit like a festival. “People were commenting on how everyone was so happy and in a good mood.
“Everyone was just happy to be there and doing something that was fun and unique,” he said.
It was also a fundraiser for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, supporting the entry of three airport firefighters in the 2024 Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge.
Participants were able to walk a 3.7km loop on the runway shortly after the last plane landed at about 8pm.
Many took photos, and enjoyed the opportunity to see part of Nelson from a different viewpoint.
It is unclear how much money was raised with the gold coin entry, but it is expected to exceed the $2000 raised last year.
A Sounds Air aircraft was on display during the event and the company made a $2000 donation to the fundraiser.
Thompson said it was the only airport in New Zealand to hold an event like this, that he knew of.
It would probably be held again next year, but there was a lot of work involved for staff.
“People probably don’t realise that shutting the airport for an hour is quite a mission. Unless it’s an emergency no-one can land,” he said.
Afterwards the runway had to be thoroughly checked for any rubbish or other objects left behind that might interfere with planes landing.
However, it was an enjoyable occasion that supported charity and benefited the people of Nelson.
“I think we’ll keep doing it – so long as people think it’s a good thing to do,” he said.