Saturday 20 June 2015 saw the largest ever turn out from the local community to take part in the 4th Annual Twilight Runway Challenge. Around 350 participants ran, cycled (including a tandem and a team on unicycles), walked and roller skated around TAG Farnborough Airport’s runway and taxiways. The rain was unable to dampen the spirits of those taking part, including College students (past and present) and staff, employees from TAG Farnborough Airport, along with other member companies of the Community Matters Partnership Project (CMPP).

The Twilight Runway Challenge is a unique event taking place on the airstrip, after the airport’s operations have ceased for the day. Organised jointly by TAG Farnborough Airport and the College, the event raised over £5,000, which will go to the CMPP Youth Aspiration Fund (YAF). The Fund is used to provide grants to local projects that help young people to reach their true potential, from master classes in enterprise to mentoring and reading projects.

CMPP representatives taking part included Aldershot Garrison, Capquest, Central Heating Services, Farnborough Business Park, Fluor, Hart and Rushmoor 19-14 Consortium, HRG, Knights Group, Rushmoor Borough Council, Source Supplies, TAG Farnborough Airport, the College, The Village Urban Resort and Zurich.

Representatives from The Village Velocity Gym helped get everyone warmed up and ready to go, by leading all those taking part in a series of warm up exercises. They also provided goody bags containing water bottles and snacks to refuel everyone as they completed their chosen distance of 3k, 5k or 10k. All those who took part were entered into a draw with prizes kindly donated by CMPP Partners. Prizes included three months membership of The Village Velocity Gym, two free tickets to Farnborough Airshow (donated by TAG Farnborough) and an overnight stay at the Aviator.

Katy Marlow, Community Engagement and Events Coordinator at the College and Project Coordinator for CMPP said, “I'm so proud to be part of the Twilight Runway Challenge. The event provides a fantastic opportunity for the local community to come together, raise money to support fantastic local projects whilst having a great time!”

Elaine Turner, Events and Marketing Manager at TAG Farnborough Airport added, “TAG Farnborough Airport would like to thank everyone for taking part in this fantastic event. We were delighted to see so many people giving their time and energy in aid of our Community Matters Partnership Projects, which help to raise the aspirations of young people throughout the Rushmoor area.”