Run The Runway

A very cool way to mark the shortest day, Run the Runway invites the public onto Oamaru Airport for a one-off chance to run, walk, and explore the runway in a setting most people only ever see from the other side of the fence. Presented by North Otago Aero Club, this inaugural event blends fresh winter air, local curiosity, and a bit of aviation magic into something that feels genuinely different.

Alongside the 2.4km runway event itself, there’s also the chance to meet pilots, see the planes up close, and enjoy the atmosphere of the airport opened specially for the community. It’s the kind of event that works for families, groups, and anyone who enjoys trying something a little out of the ordinary. Fun, memorable, and proudly local, this is a great excuse to get out on the shortest day and be part of something new.