Sydney’s newest airport hasn’t welcomed its first passengers yet — but thousands of people are already preparing to hit the runway… on foot.
Before aircraft begin arriving later in 2026, the brand-new Western Sydney International Airport (Nancy-Bird Walton) will open its tarmac to the public for a one-day Runway Run/Walk event, giving runners and walkers the rare chance to race along a real airport runway. The event takes place on April 26, 2026, and will turn the airport’s huge 3.7-kilometre runway into a racecourse. Participants can choose from several distances including a half marathon, 14km, 7km and 4km run, plus a family-friendly community runway walk.With no traffic lights, hills or tight corners, organisers say it could end up being one of the flattest and fastest race courses in Sydney.
But the action won’t just be on the ground. During the event, Red Bull will stage an aerobatic flying display above the runway, bringing high-energy aerial stunts to the sky while runners tackle the course below.
Beyond the novelty factor, the run is also for a good cause. Registration helps raise funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, supporting medical care, research and services for sick kids across NSW.
The event also offers a rare early look at one of Australia’s biggest aviation projects. Western Sydney International Airport, located at Badgerys Creek, is a multi-billion-dollar development designed to operate 24 hours a day without a curfew when it officially opens.
Passenger flights are expected to begin in October 2026, with the airport set to handle domestic, international and cargo services and become Sydney’s second major aviation hub.
Which means this race will be a true one-off: a chance to run down the runway of a brand-new international airport before the first planes even touch the tarmac.In other words — lace up your sneakers now, because once the jets arrive, the runway won’t be open to joggers again. ✈️🏃♂️