The inaugural Grant Thornton Runway Run touches down at Belfast City Airport on 24 June

BELFAST, 2015-5-12 — /Travel PR News/ — Ever fancied running down the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport?

Business advisory firm Grant Thornton is inviting teams to partake in the first official runway run in Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday 24 June, under the glow of the runway lights, hundreds of runners will take-off down the runway at 11pm as the inaugural Grant Thornton Runway Run touches down at Belfast City Airport.

Richard Gillan, Partner in Charge of Grant Thornton, Northern Ireland said:

“At Grant Thornton we look at things differently.

“We wanted to create a fun sporting event that encourages friendly competition and which promotes team building among Northern Ireland’s business community.

“We didn’t want a race around a local park which you can do any time – we’ve pushed the boundaries to create a unique 5k race that we believe will capture everyone’s imagination.

“Belfast City Airport is an important business hub and the perfect venue for what promises to be a memorable yet competitive evening.”

The race is open to all businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland who are invited to enter a team of four in one or more of three categories – male, female and mixed.

Prizes will be awarded in each category with team members’ finishing times combined to determine the winner.

Richard Gillan added:

“At Grant Thornton we are delighted that through the run we can support Belfast City Airport’s award winning Community Fund charity, but we would also encourage teams to race for their own chosen charities.”

The race will be organised by Athletics Northern Ireland who accurately measured a 5k course. David Seaton, Chairman of Athletics Northern Ireland said:

“The popularity of running has increased significantly in recent years with 5k park-runs across Northern Ireland introducing running to the masses.

“The Grant Thornton Runway Run provides the ideal terrain with a fast, flat course which takes in the runway and adjacent taxi ways.

“We’ve organised hundreds of races down the years but this one really is special, given the time of year and the late evening start in a novel location.”

Michelle Hatfield, HR and Community Responsibility Director at George Best added:

“Belfast City Airport is here to serve the local community and we’re delighted to work with Grant Thornton in this first for running in Northern Ireland.

“In supporting the airport’s Community Fund, local youth projects in the area will benefit and the legacy of the race will remain long after the final runner crosses the finish line”.

The run will be chipped time and there will be a Grant Thornton Runway Run t-shirt and goody bag for all participants.

The number of participants is restricted, and those interested are advised to register early to avoid disappointment.

For full terms and conditions or to register a team go to www.athleticsni.org

You can keep up to date with Grant Thornton NI on Twitter (#GTRunwayRun) and LinkedIn.

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The inaugural Grant Thornton Runway Run touches down at Belfast City Airport on 24 June

The inaugural Grant Thornton Runway Run touches down at Belfast City Airport on 24 June