ONE CHANCE, ONE DAY, RUNWAY RUN/WALK
To celebrate Australia's most significant aviation project in more than 50 years, the public will have unprecedented access for one day ONLY to the runway at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI).
On Sunday, 26 April 2026, Australia's newest international gateway will be transformed, hosting a unique Runway Run/Walk, with runners and walkers from across the country, invited to participate in an historic event in support of Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
Mark Emerton, CEO of Elite Energy Events said that Runway Run/Walk's location ensures that it will be a unique community and sporting event and an equally important opportunity to help change the future for sick kids.
"By registering for Runway Run/Walk you are supporting Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation, raising vital funds for Sydney's world-class children's hospitals (Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick and The Children's Hospital at Westmead), specialised care services (Bear Cottage and the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service) and Kids Research."
"Once aviation operations commence at Western Sydney International Airport, this level of community access will no longer be possible because it is a 24/7 international airport. So, participants are encouraged to register early at runwayrun.com.au to avoid missing out on this historic opportunity," he said.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King said this would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to see Sydney's new airport from a truly unique perspective.
"I'm excited to invite Sydneysiders to lace up, and put the run in runway," said Minister King.
"Sunday April 26 will be a prime opportunity for runners and walkers to raise some money and take in every detail of the new airport, before the 3.7km runway readies for aircraft operations."
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the Runway Run/Walk would give runners and walkers special behind the scenes access to the airport's brand new 3.7km runway before it welcomes its first passengers and planes later this year.
"The countdown is well and truly on for WSI's opening, but before that day comes we're excited to welcome in community members for this special sneak-peak at their new airport where they'll have the opportunity to run and walk on an international airport runway before the rubber really hits the road," he said.
"And every entry fee will also lend a helping hand to Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation that does incredible work supporting sick kids across our state, so every step you take will also be going toward that very worthy cause."
Kristina Keneally, CEO at SCHF said Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation is proud to be the official charity partner for this event.
"By taking part in the Runway Run/Walk, every participant will help support sick kids and their families across NSW, because a portion of every registration goes directly to supporting the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network — including our two children's hospitals at Westmead and Randwick."
"This is an extraordinary moment in NSW's history, and by choosing to support SCHF, runners will leave a lasting impact for sick kids. By fundraising for SCHF, you help ensure every child has access to the healthcare they need, whenever and wherever they need it," she said.
Why Runners Are Taking Notice
The Western Sydney International Airport course delivers one of the flattest, widest and fastest courses in Australian history. It is purpose built for precision, scale and speed and Runway Run/Walk is expected to attract participants from across Sydney, interstate runners, aviation enthusiasts and those seeking a truly unique sporting and historical experience.
Runway Run/Walk will transform the iconic aviation setting into a landmark national event, with the 3.7 kilometre runway loop, offering multiple distances, including: Half Marathon, 14km, 7km and 4km events.
For performance focused athletes, it is a rare opportunity to chase fast times on a world class surface, while for other participants, it is simply an amazing story to tell future generations, 'I ran the runway'.
Backed by Australia's Best Event Organisers
Runway Run is being delivered by Elite Energy Events, one of Australia's most experienced and respected mass participation event organisers.
Since 1999, Elite Energy Events has delivered some of the country's most iconic endurance events, including the Shimano Husky Triathlon Festival and the Husky Running Festival.
With decades of experience spanning local community events to world class competitions, Elite Energy Events is set to make Runway Run/Walk a standout on the Australian sporting calendar.