The usually bustling Perth Airport tarmac experienced a unique transformation on Saturday evening, September 6, becoming a vibrant racecourse for hundreds of dedicated participants. The highly anticipated “Run the Runway” event, spearheaded by Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), offered a rare and exhilarating opportunity for individuals to walk or run directly on the airport’s active runway, all while supporting a critical, life-saving cause within the Perth and Kinross community and beyond.
This year’s gathering served as a cornerstone of SCAA’s ambitious “Operation Skyward” campaign, a concerted effort to raise an impressive £2 million. These vital funds are earmarked for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art H145 D3 replacement helicopter, destined to enhance SCAA’s essential services from its Aberdeen base. The new aircraft is crucial for maintaining and advancing SCAA’s rapid response capabilities, ensuring that urgent medical intervention reaches individuals in need across Scotland, particularly in remote or challenging-to-access areas where every minute counts. The success of initiatives like Run the Runway directly fuels the operational continuity and technological upgrades of these indispensable aerial emergency services, acting as a true lifeline for countless communities.
The event catered to a diverse range of participants, with options for 10km, 5km, and 2.5km routes, welcoming everyone from seasoned athletes seeking a distinctive challenge to families and casual strollers enjoying a memorable evening. The atmosphere crackled with enthusiasm, as onlookers enthusiastically cheered on the runners and walkers, contributing to a palpable sense of community spirit. Many participants embraced the festive mood by donning colourful attire, including eye-catching tutus, and happily posed for photographs alongside SCAA’s much-loved mascot, Teddy, creating a visually rich and joyful spectacle.
Among the many dedicated individuals who took part were prominent figures such as SCAA Chief Executive David Craig, who personally tackled the 5km course, illustrating his profound commitment to the charity’s mission. He was joined by Helimed 79 Paramedics Paul Hendry and Claire Allan, who ran in their distinctive flight suits, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the heroic and vital work they perform daily. Their presence underscored the unwavering dedication of the SCAA team and inspired fellow participants. The competitive edge was keen, with Ross Bathgate making an impressive dash to finish the 10km race first, recording a remarkable time of 33 minutes and 2 seconds. The collective effort culminated in joyous celebrations, marked by beaming smiles and the proud display of hard-earned medals, reflecting the deep sense of accomplishment and shared purpose that united everyone involved in this special occasion.
Caryn Whitelaw, SCAA’s events officer, conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. She highlighted the dual nature of the event: “Run The Runway will not only be a great challenge for people – and terrific fun for everyone – but a way to support our ambition and sustain one of Scotland’s most critical services. Kicking up your heels at Perth Airport on September 6 will literally help save lives.” She extended particular appreciation to ACS Aviation, the operators of Perth Airport, for their invaluable partnership in orchestrating this inaugural event. The hope is that Run the Runway will evolve into a cherished annual tradition within Perth and Kinross, consistently generating essential funds and reinforcing community ties while safeguarding lives across the nation for years to come.
This year’s gathering served as a cornerstone of SCAA’s ambitious “Operation Skyward” campaign, a concerted effort to raise an impressive £2 million. These vital funds are earmarked for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art H145 D3 replacement helicopter, destined to enhance SCAA’s essential services from its Aberdeen base. The new aircraft is crucial for maintaining and advancing SCAA’s rapid response capabilities, ensuring that urgent medical intervention reaches individuals in need across Scotland, particularly in remote or challenging-to-access areas where every minute counts. The success of initiatives like Run the Runway directly fuels the operational continuity and technological upgrades of these indispensable aerial emergency services, acting as a true lifeline for countless communities.
The event catered to a diverse range of participants, with options for 10km, 5km, and 2.5km routes, welcoming everyone from seasoned athletes seeking a distinctive challenge to families and casual strollers enjoying a memorable evening. The atmosphere crackled with enthusiasm, as onlookers enthusiastically cheered on the runners and walkers, contributing to a palpable sense of community spirit. Many participants embraced the festive mood by donning colourful attire, including eye-catching tutus, and happily posed for photographs alongside SCAA’s much-loved mascot, Teddy, creating a visually rich and joyful spectacle.
Among the many dedicated individuals who took part were prominent figures such as SCAA Chief Executive David Craig, who personally tackled the 5km course, illustrating his profound commitment to the charity’s mission. He was joined by Helimed 79 Paramedics Paul Hendry and Claire Allan, who ran in their distinctive flight suits, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the heroic and vital work they perform daily. Their presence underscored the unwavering dedication of the SCAA team and inspired fellow participants. The competitive edge was keen, with Ross Bathgate making an impressive dash to finish the 10km race first, recording a remarkable time of 33 minutes and 2 seconds. The collective effort culminated in joyous celebrations, marked by beaming smiles and the proud display of hard-earned medals, reflecting the deep sense of accomplishment and shared purpose that united everyone involved in this special occasion.
Caryn Whitelaw, SCAA’s events officer, conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. She highlighted the dual nature of the event: “Run The Runway will not only be a great challenge for people – and terrific fun for everyone – but a way to support our ambition and sustain one of Scotland’s most critical services. Kicking up your heels at Perth Airport on September 6 will literally help save lives.” She extended particular appreciation to ACS Aviation, the operators of Perth Airport, for their invaluable partnership in orchestrating this inaugural event. The hope is that Run the Runway will evolve into a cherished annual tradition within Perth and Kinross, consistently generating essential funds and reinforcing community ties while safeguarding lives across the nation for years to come.