More than 160 people took to the runway at Inverness Airport in the middle of the night to raise an extraordinary £46,875 for Maggie’s Highlands.

Run the Runway saw participants run, walk and scoot around the airport’s 5k course on Saturday 22 August, guided by the runway lights as they raised money to support people with cancer and their families across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

The latest total takes the amount raised by Run the Runway since the event began to more than £350,000.

This year’s fundraising received a major boost from Heather’s Heroes, which pledged £10,000 in match funding to help participants make their efforts go even further.

Individual fundraisers also played their part, with Rodney Keniston raising £1,280 to become the event’s highest individual fundraiser.

His efforts earned him two return flights from Inverness to Dublin, donated by Emerald Airlines.

Dan Mason, Airport Manager at Inverness Airport, said:

“Run the Runway is a great event to be part of, and there was a real buzz around the airport on the night.

“Seeing the runway lit up as more than 160 participants made their way around the 5k created a fantastic atmosphere, with plenty of energy and enthusiasm from everyone involved.”

“Raising this huge donation for Maggie’s Highlands is a fantastic result and we’re pleased to have played our part in making the event happen.”

The money comes during Maggie’s 30th anniversary year, with the charity now providing free cancer support from 27 centres across the UK.

Maggie’s Highlands welcomes thousands of visits each year and provides emotional, practical and psychological support to people living with cancer as well as their families and friends.

The centre relies almost entirely on donations and community fundraising to continue providing that support.

Tracey Gill, Centre Fundraising Manager for Maggie’s Highlands, said:

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown for Run the Runway this year.

“For 160 people to come together to raise £46,875 is a phenomenal achievement and every single person who registered, fundraised, volunteered, donated or supported the event has played a part in making this happen.

“These funds will make a real difference to people living with cancer across the Highlands and will help Maggie’s ensure we are here for people today, tomorrow and always.”

The event was supported by teams from Inverness Airport and The Stag & Thistle, alongside volunteers from Inverness Culloden Rotary Club, DM Elite and the many marshals who helped make the midnight challenge possible.

From one unusual night on an illuminated Highland runway, another £46,875 will now help Maggie’s Highlands be there for people facing cancer when they need it.