Record-breaking £50,000 raised in third annual Heathrow Midnight Marathon
Now in its third year, Heathrow's Midnight Runway Marathon has raised over £50,000 for charity.
- 350 runners from across Team Heathrow raised over £50,000 for charity
- Four local and national charities set to receive the donations from this year's event
350 runners from across team Heathrow competed in this year's race, which took part on Heathrow's northern runway at midnight, after the airport closed for the day.
Runners from the airport's Baggage, IT and Security teams, as well representatives from Ferrovial and Finance Investors ran and raised money for the marathon. 55 volunteers also gave up their time to make this year's event a success.
The Midnight Marathon consists of 12-person relay teams, in which each team member is required to run a 2.2 mile stretch of Heathrow's northern runway within a 16-minute time limit. The Marathon also includes a fun run section, where participants are able to run as many lengths as they can within the same 16-minute limit.
The Security Fast Track team led by Heathrow's Security Director, Tom Willis, won fastest team with a time of 03:14:27, beating Finance & Procurement Athletic by seven seconds. This year's fastest runner was Patrick Lucas, an intern with Heathrow's finance team, has ran his 2.2 mile stretch within a record time of 11 minutes and 21 seconds.
The funds raised will be split equally between four charities, Oxfam, Help for Heroes, Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS) and the Heathrow Community Fund which supports a variety of local projects and charity initiatives.
Heathrow's Chief People Officer Paula Stannett said:
"We're proud to have raised a record amount this year – over £50,000 for our four partner charities! The Midnight Marathon is an amazing opportunity to raise money for worthwhile causes, get active with colleagues in other areas of our business and to get a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in what's got to be one of the most surreal settings – a closed airport runway.
"Well done to everyone who took part in the event and those who helped to make the third Midnight Marathon a success. Giving back to our local communities is very important to us here at Heathrow and we're very grateful to everyone who ran, volunteered and donated. "
Alistair Lockhart, Director of Fundraising at Help for Heroes said:
“Help for Heroes is hugely grateful to Heathrow Airport and all those involved in their recent fundraising activities and everything they have done to support the Charity. We rely heavily on the generous donations raised which directly helps rebuild lives. We’d like to thank everyone who has donated and helped support our beneficiaries and hope everyone has had lots of fun too!”
Emma Crossley, Engagement Manager for Oxfam Said:
"As Heathrow's international charity partner, Oxfam are thrilled to again be a beneficiary of the Midnight Marathon. It is such a unique and exciting fundraising event and we would like to sincerely thank every single person that works so hard to help make it happen and of course thank all the participants who helped raise such a fantastic amount. Another outstanding effort from the Heathrow community!!"
Antoinette Mullally, Chief Executive for Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS) said:
"We're thrilled about this contribution from Heathrow. This donation will help to sustain and continue our core services which collectively aim to minimise disability and maximise ability. This funding will make a huge difference to autistic people we support in Hillingdon, giving them the opportunity to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives."
Rebecca Bowden, Director for Heathrow Community Fund said:
"Heathrow Community Fund is delighted that so many Heathrow and Airport colleagues joined forces to take part in this amazing fundraising event – the monies raised will make a real difference to the communities surrounding the airport by directly supporting disadvantaged members of the community or providing community green spaces for everyone to enjoy. A big thank you to all the runners!"
