On Saturday 17th September 2022 over 800 people, young and old, serious runners and first timers, gathered on the start line at Blackbushe Airport to run, scoot or walk the annual Community Matters Partnership (CMPP) #TwilightRunwayChallenge to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes.
This was the second year that Blackbushe has hosted this iconic, unique event with record numbers attracted to the Challenge this year, many in dazzling fancy dress, making their ways following either a 3, 5 or 10k course around the airport.
Local charities were encouraged to take part to raise funds with over 40 charities signing up to send runners, with charities keeping every penny that they raised in sponsorship from people taking part in support of their charity.
So many Spidermen, Iron Men, Batmen to marvel at, 80’s rock stars to entertain, a cow and of course no Twilight would be complete without an aeroplane (which sadly lost a wing yet still managed to limp across the finishing line!) all dedicated to raising much-needed cash for their particular favourite charities. Participants even included a Ukrainian Paralympian who whizzed round the circuit on her handcycle.
‘They are all superheroes today!’ said Emma Russ, who oversaw the event on behalf of the CMPP team. ‘Between them, these wonderful people have raised almost £40,000 to help so many people less fortunate than ourselves. We’re really grateful to our sponsors who have given us such fantastic support – Hi-Speed Services, CleanKing, Fluor, Herrington Carmichael, HubFiiit, Stewart & Co and Waitrose. They’ve been so committed to this event from the start.’
Olivia (aged 9), who scooted 5k with several of her team mates to raise funds to buy much-needed kit for her Camberley football team, said: ‘It was really fun. I got a medal and a burger at the end!’
Paul Edwards, who is chairman of the CMPP Trustees, spoke breathlessly having completed a 5k run, was delighted at the success of the Challenge: ‘What a great community event this is. A spectacular venue, the weather was glorious. So much enthusiasm and engagement – and really well-organised. I’d like to thank our hosts at the Airport, especially Christopher Gazzard who has worked so closely with us to make this event so special. And of course, all the volunteers who have given their time to marshal the course and the car park, fill goody bags, hand out water. Without their invaluable efforts, this would never happen.’
Make a diary note: next year’s Twilight Runway Challenge will take place at Blackbushe on 16 September 2023. It promises, according to CMPP CEO Tracy Jarvis, to be even bigger than ever! Start planning your training schedule (and costume) now.
Who are CMPP and what do they do?
CMPP is a dynamic, enterprising charity helping companies in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey to get active in their communities through corporate volunteering and fundraising events which enable companies to demonstrate their corporate social responsibilities and active commitment to social good. Sixth Sense Marketing Directors Nick and Tracey Shrimpton are trustees of CMPP.
To find out more about the work of CMPP visit www.cmpp.org.uk.
