Thousands Walk the Runway for a cause
Nelson Airport’s Walk the Runway event attracted thousands on Saturday night, raising about $10,700 for Blood Cancer NZ.
The sunset stroll down the airport runway proved popular once again, after taking a break in 2025 to accommodate construction works on the airfield.
Attendees headed out onto the runway after the last flight arrived, checking out displays from airport operators including Sounds Air, NZ Aviation Academy, Nelson Aviation College and the Nelson Aero Club while they walked the length of the runway (about 1.3 km in each direction).
Nelson Airport Head of Corporate Services Beth Catley said the crowd gave generously for the event charity, Blood Cancer NZ. “All the donations go to support the entry of our airport firefighters in this year’s Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge, a major fundraiser for Blood Cancer NZ.”
Beth said this included a $1000 donation from Bayleys Nelson. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Bayleys and the community who attended and made a donation on the night.”
Beth said attendees loved the chance to see a different side of their airport, and learn more about the aircraft and activity that operate from Nelson.
Airport firefighter Alec Hampson wore his full firefighting kit to show the crowd the gear firefighters must wear to complete the climb of 51 (328 metres) flights of stairs up the Sky Tower.
“People were pretty interested in how much gear we have to wear. It weighs about 25kg all up, so it makes the climb a big challenge and I’ll be putting in plenty of training up Tamaki Steps to make sure I’m ready for it!”
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