Return of Air Ambulance 5km night-time fun run

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has announced the return of its night-time 5km fun run, Dash in the Dark.

HIOWAA is encouraging people to sign up and run, walk or jog their way around Southampton Common on Saturday 11 September, and help to keep the doctors, paramedics and pilots on the frontline, saving lives.

As the sun sets and the night draws in, friends, family and supporters of the life-saving Charity can form their glow gang and light up the night, covered head to toe in neon paint and fancy dress and dash their way around Southampton Common.

HIOWAA Director of Fundraising, Rachel Leaman, said ‘This will be our first major fundraising event for over a year. And we are over the moon that we can offer our supporters a chance to get together once again. Dash in the Dark is a 5k for everyone: whether it’s your first or your 50th, it promises to be a fun-filled evening which will raise much needed funds for us.’

While last year’s Dash in the Dark was held virtually, the first edition of the night-time 5km run in 2019 hosted over 700 runners and raised over £30,000.

Rachel added: ‘Our first Dash in the Dark, and the subsequent virtual event, received such positive feedback; it is extremely fitting that the first mass participation event since Covid-19 is Dash in the Dark. The Charity has had to respond to significant financial losses, and events such as these are vital to keeping us on the frontline, saving lives.’

Tickets are on sale now, with the Charity announcing it has already sold nearly 100 places.

Full adult price- £20 Full child price- £16

Check in on the night will open at 6.30pm. The warm up will start at 7:30pm, with the 5km dash beginning at 7:45pm, as darkness falls. HIOWAA is encouraging participants to light up the night by donning neon face paints, fancy dress and glow sticks. The route is softly lit and paved throughout, and head torches are essential. All participants will receive a free Dash in the Dark t-shirt and a glow in the dark medal at the finish line.

A full refund will be available to any participants who are forced to self isolate and/or quarantine due to the pandemic. The Charity will be adhering to the latest government guidelines to keep all participants safe. For more information visit www.hiowaa.org