Exeter Airport’s runway welcomed a different kind of traffic at the weekend as hundreds of people took part in a charity funrun, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
The airport played host to the inaugural Chocks Away 5km on Saturday (7 November), giving around 250 runners and wheelchair users the rare opportunity to take to the tarmac normally reserved for aircraft.
Organised by Cranbrook Running Club in partnership with the airport, the event saw entrants complete a circular course taking in almost two full lengths of Exeter Airport’s 2,076-metre runway.
The event was a sell-out success, with all places snapped up within just 36 hours of entries opening.
It was held in aid of two local charities, Hospiscare and Young Lives vs Cancer, with just under £2,000 raised for each charity to support their work.
For Cranbrook Running Club founder and chair Matt Rowett, the event was the culmination of an ambition he had held for several years.
Matt said: “I’ve wanted to organise a run on Exeter Airport’s runway for a long time, so to finally see it happen has been fantastic. It’s not every day you get the chance to run somewhere like this, and I think that’s what made it such an attractive event. We couldn’t believe the response when entries opened. To fill every place in just 36 hours was incredible, and it shows just how much appetite there is for something a little different. We’re hugely grateful to Exeter Airport for helping us get this off the ground, and it’s been particularly rewarding to raise money for two charities that mean so much to us. We’d love to see Chocks Away become a regular fixture in the running calendar.”
Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: “Our runway is usually a place where journeys begin, but on Saturday we saw a very different kind of departure! It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying this unusual opportunity while raising money for two excellent charities. Events like this take a great deal of planning, particularly in a working airport environment, and I’d like to thank Matt and everyone at Cranbrook Running Club, together with our charity champion Claire Chambers and the airport team, for making it possible. We’re proud to have played our part and hope everyone who took part enjoyed the experience. Most importantly, the money raised will help support the vital work of Hospiscare and Young Lives vs Cancer.”
Hospiscare is Cranbrook Running Club’s adopted charity for 2026, chosen in memory of a club member who, together with his family, received support from the charity towards the end of his life. Hospiscare provides specialist end-of-life care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Exeter, central and east Devon.
Exeter Airport is supporting Young Lives vs Cancer, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to young cancer patients and their loved ones.
Cranbrook Running Club is also behind the popular Cranbrook Country Park parkrun, held every Saturday morning, and the Junior parkrun which takes place on Sundays.
