The organisers of the inaugural British Airways Run Gatwick celebrated the launch of the event today, 31 st October. The UK's most exciting new road race will take place on Sunday 13 th May 2018 and entries are now open to what promises to be a unique and unforgettable running experience.

With British Airways the headline sponsor, the launch of British Airways Run Gatwick took place at Gatwick Airport and welcomed a high-profile gathering of key representatives and stakeholders of the event. The unveiling of the race included an airside photo with a British Airways plane and crew featuring the fastest women's marathoner in history Paula Radcliffe, and really set the scene for this thrilling international event at one of the UK's major hubs.

The inaugural British Airways Run Gatwick will include the International Half Marathon & 5K , plus the Corporate 5K and Family Run for children aged 4-15 years. The choice of race distances aims to encourage runners of all ages and abilities to get active and enjoy the experience of a big sporting event. The races will take place on fully-closed routes through the parks, towns and beautiful West Sussex countryside around Gatwick Airport, and the race village will be located in Southgate Park, just opposite the deluxe Arora Hotel.

The start and finish of all races will also be at Southgate Park, and a total of 7,500 places are available across the various races. In addition to securing British Airways as the headline sponsor, the event has confirmed a number of prominent partners including Gatwick Airport and Intersport. British Airways Flying Start, The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, and St Catherine's Hospice have been confirmed as official charities, with two further national and four further local charities to be announced shortly.

It is a strong start for the biggest new running event in the South East and expectations are hig with it being organised by the team behind the award-winning Intersport Run Reigate Half Marathon Half Marathon and 10K . Now entering its fifth year, the Intersport Run Reigate Half Marathon won Gold for the UK's Best Half Marathon (≤ 5,000) at The Running Awards 2017 and has quickly grown to become a firm fixture in the running diary.

With the prime location of British Airways Run Gatwick, the International Half Marathon is expected to attract elite, club and amateur runners from the UK and abroad looking for a highly professional late spring race in an easily accessible location with fantastic transport links. The Corporate 5K is set to be a hugely popular part of race weekend, and the organisers are hoping to attract corporate runners of all levels and abilities showcasing health and fitness in the workplace.

Race Director Dave Kelly said , " We are thrilled to launch British Airways Run Gatwick and set the wheels in motion on the runway for this superb new event next May. We have had a fantastic launch day and this has really set the scene to motivate people to get active, whatever their ability. We have already received an incredibly positive response from the international running community and look forward to welcoming many seasoned runners to the event as well as first-time competitors who have plenty of time to get race fit. We would like to thank our headline sponsor, British Airways, for all their support in delivering the event ."

Sean Doyle, British Airways' director of network and alliances at British Airways added ,"We are delighted to sponsor British Airways Run Gatwick and look forward to being a part of this inspirational new sporting event. We look forward to welcoming runners of all abilities and nationalities to Run Gatwick next spring."

Gatwick Airport's Head of Community Engagement, Alison Addy, said, " Our partnership with British Airways Run Gatwick promises to offer a unique running experience for participants with views of the airport and aircraft taking off along the route. I know that many members of Gatwick staff will be among the 7,500 runners and are excitedly anticipating taking part, as well as raising lots of money for their chosen charity."

Councillor Chris Mullins, Cabinet member for Wellbeing at Crawley Borough Council, commented , "British Airways Run Gatwick promises to be an exciting, major new event which will generate significant sums for local charities, provide the town with a major economic development opportunity, encourage healthy lifestyles and bring a large community event to the town. "We're delighted to host British Airways Run Gatwick and wish the event every success. The council is keen to host more major events and we hope that a successful Run Gatwick will encourage others to come to Crawley."

The 2018 British Airways Run Gatwick takes place on Sunday 13 th May . The half marathon is now £38 and 5k/corporate 5k - £27. The family run is still £12.

Go to www.rungatwick.com for further details and to sign up. You can also like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/rungatwick and follow @rungatwick #rungatwick on Twitter for all the latest news.