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Run the Runway – 21st March 2026

Race report by Martin Downham

Run the Runway was billed as a one off opportunity to race the (near) full length of Doncaster/Sheffield Airport  (aka Robin Hood Airport, and once RAF Finningley) Runway, before commercial flights resumed at some point in the future. The organiser says 2027 (if you’re thinking of booking a holiday).
Hosted by Libra Racing, this rare opportunity clearly appealed, with over 2000 taking part in the 5.8k race (age 12 and above). There was also a 3.8km race (age 7 and above) earlier in the morning.

Despite this being described as Sheffield’s Airport. it takes about an hour (as it’s not all motorway). The scheduled 11.30am start did however present an opportunity to bag a rare tourist parkrun. I opted for the very pleasant and welcoming Goole parkrun, (a little further down the motorway and well worth a visit).

Having left Sheffield in sunshine is was disappointing that the COLD mist/fog was still hanging over the airport. It certainly felt too cold to stand around in a T-Shirt. With the fog and some queuing for the car park, all start times were put back 15 minutes. The long queues for the small number of toilets also delayed some runners, some of who missed their start slots (waves) – which appeared to be critical despite having “chip-timing” (on both races).

We gathered for the start on the large open apron behind at the main terminal building. From the start we set off north around a winding taxiway to join the far end of the runway.  Not a lot to say about a runway. It’s long wide and has a number of white painted markers. The surprise is that it’s grooved across it’s concrete surface, presumably to help drainage. With almost all the other runners visible at the same time, there was always something going on. At the southern end we again taxied off the main runway and headed for the finish, which was right next to the famous Avro Vulcan Bomber. An impressive backdrop to end the race. A number of runners competed in aeronautical clothing which was nice to see.

A large and supportive crowd had gathered at the finish (including a number of local politicians, airport campaigners/supporters and a lot of the local press). The finish was some distance from the start and the car park so there was need for a brisk walk back from here, thankfully in warm sunshine. The traffic (on leaving) was also heavy (and slow) all the way back to the motorway.

All finishers received a special edition medal and T-Shirts were available to purchase. A limited number of stalls were available around the start area.

It wasn’t quite flat. Strava comes in at 11m elevation and 5.4km, rather than the advertised 5.8km, so who knows.

Overall this was a great day out. A great running experience. Hopefully my next visit will involve overseas travel.

Prizes were awarded to the top 3 M/F finishers

Striders Results

Position Name Time Age Category
143 Katie Gill 23.03 FS
248 David Wilson 24.32 M45
408 Martin Downham 26.17 M60
644 Josephine Blewitt 28.42 F50
842 Eleanor Wilson 30.09 FS
1053 Caroline Brash 32.05 F50
1596 Maz Raj 37.40 F45
1793 Peter Brash 40.40 M55
1801 Rebecca Pierce 40.41 F55
1822 Amy Pollitt 41.31

(31.31 actual time)

 F40

The race was won by Craig Derbyshire from Danum Harriers in 17.28.  First female was Abigail Haley, also from Danum Harriers, in 19.46.

Full results: here
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