Night owls take part in fun run at Glasgow Airport

Fifty lucky runners made history today (18 September 2025) as Glasgow Airport opened its runway for a fun run, as part of the city’s official Glasgow 850 celebrations.

The Run the Runway event delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council, AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, and Glasgow Airport, saw the participants complete a 4.5km run along the airport tarmac during a short break from the busy airport’s operations.

Forgoing a full night’s sleep, the eager runners started at 3 o’clock in the morning to enjoy the rare privilege of being on the runway.

Demand far outstripped the places available for the event, with more than 800 Great Scottish Runners from this year’s event applying for just 50 spots for this exceptional training event.

Cllr Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “Within our year-long Glasgow 850 programme, this is certainly the most unique event that we’ve held. Glasgow Airport plays an important role both in serving our citizens and being the gateway to our city for visitors, and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to partner with them to create something special during our anniversary year.

“As well as a celebration Glasgow 850 is about our citizens sharing stories and making memories and taking part in this fun run will certainly create both, for those participating.”

Matthew Wilson, head of aerodrome Operations at Glasgow Airport, said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome runners onto our runway for this one-of-a-kind event the likes of which we have never facilitated before.

“Glasgow Airport has been part of the city’s story for over six decades, so to play a role in the Glasgow 850 celebrations in such a unique and memorable way was incredibly special, and unlikely to be repeated.

“Staging a runway event at a live international airport is no small feat. The operation required meticulous planning and co-ordination across airside operations, security, and air traffic control to ensure the event could take place safely during a narrow window in the early hours.

“We’re proud to have worked closely with our partners to make it happen.”