A ‘runbelievable’ event being held at Manston airport next year is thought to be a ‘world first,’ say organisers.
A 100-mile endurance event over 32 hours is one of two events being staged at the site by Runbelievable Challenges.
The company is owned by Broadstairs couple Simon and Kim Ballard who say they think it is the first 100-miler to be held at an airport.
There will also be an eight hour challenge event with entrants running around 40 miles.
Kim and Simon started running in a bid to be healthy but got hooked and started their marathon journey.
Simon completed his first marathon at Brighton in 2015 and since then has taken part in excess of 100 marathon/ultras including three 100 mile events and ten 50K in 10 days. Simon is a member of the 100 Marathon Club.
Kim ran her first marathon in Brighton in 2016 and has since gone on to complete a number of full marathons.
The duo now head up Runbelieveable Challenges with events taking place across Kent including a number of challenge venues taken on from mega-marathon group SVN.
The Runway eight hour challenge
This takes place on June 21, 2025, with a 9am start. Entry is £49.95
Runners will cover upwards of 40 miles across the eight hours. As long as one lap is completed (6.5 miles) participants will receive a medal. However, many will choose to run as long as they can within the time limit, or simply to complete a half or full marathon.
The course will start on a trail path around the perimeter of the airport, culminating in a 2752 metres of runway. There will be a 6.55 mile loop, meaning 1 loop for a slightly long 10k, 2 loops for a half marathon, 4 loops for a marathon, and 5 or more for an ultra.
For details and to enter go to: https://runbelievablechallenges.co.uk/the-runway-1
The Runway 100
Possibly the world’s first 100 mile endurance event at an airport, The Runway 100 will take place starting at 8am on Saturday 4th October through to 4pm Sunday 5th October.
The aim is to complete 100 miles, running, jogging or walking. There is a 32 hour cut off.
The course will start on a trail path around the perimeter of the airport before turning onto the 2752 metre runway then just under 1 mile back to base camp. Each loop is approx 6.67 miles meaning to secure a finishers Buckle runners will need to record 15 laps.
Details at: https://runbelievablechallenges.co.uk/the-runway-100-1
Kim said: “We are very excited for these events next year. We don’t believe there has ever been an official marathon event based solely at an airport before and certainly not a 100 mile endurance event, this will be a world first.
“With both events we have been lucky to have the use of the control tower as our base camp where runners will register, drop their bags and refuel as they pass every lap.
“The course is flat and circumnavigates around the edge of the airport on a grassy trail, before culminating by running down the whole length of the runway- all 2752 metres of it!
“This truly will be such an epic, unique experience for anyone wanting to take part, and may of course be the last opportunity before work starts on making {the airport} operational again.”
The Manston airport site is also scheduled to hold the Thanet Extravaganza classic car and music show, an air show and a drag racing event next year.
