RUNNERS are invited to dress as reindeer and run the length of Southend Airport's runway for charity.

The airport has announced a festive version of the event it held in May, which raised more than £7,000 for the NHS.

The event will take place on Wednesday where participants will run or walk the length of the runway to help raise funds for various charities.

Usually, the logistics to arrange such an event would be almost impossible but with flight schedules reduced due to the pandemic there is an opportunity to share a positive experience.

Glyn Jones, CEO of Southend Airport, “Many events and gatherings have been cancelled as a result of covid, including our santa flights.

"We won’t be dissuaded and continue to create opportunities to support the community and share positivity - especially during the festive season.”

Members of the airport team have signed up to take part and they are looking for 20 members of the public to join them.

Social distancing will be maintained throughout by staggering entry and start times.

The runway is a total of 3.6km on a return journey and participants will travel down one side, looping back and returning the opposite side enabling a two-metre distance to be maintained.

Access to the runway is strictly limited and successful participants must hold a valid British passport or driving licence.

To register, comment on Southend Airport's social media pages with why you would like to take part by midnight Sunday.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: “Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to take part in the airport’s runway run for the NHS and it really was an incredible experience.

"With Christmas on the horizon, I’d like to thank the team at Southend Airport for hosting this unique fundraiser for charity once again and wish everybody who is taking part the very best of luck.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/londonsouthendairport.