Now in its fourth year, the event will see more than 150 athletes, fun-runners and walkers, take on the 5km route of the airport’s runways at midnight on Saturday 26 August 2017.

Maggie’s Highlands Centre has been named as the chosen charity for 2017 and participants will be encouraged to raise funds to support its vital cancer care centres in the region.

Callum Smith, Inverness Airport Duty Manager said: “The airport team are looking forward to hosting Run the Runway for another year and it will be great to have Karen on board as an ambassador for the event.

“It’s important for us to support the local community and we hope to see record numbers signing up to take part this year.

“In 2016, the midnight runners raised over £20,000 for CLIC Sargent and we hope to be able to raise even more for Maggie’s Highlands this time around.”

Runners will set off from the starting line at midnight to begin the 5km circuit, with Karen Darke, Team GB Paralympian, stationed at the finishing line to present medals and prizes to the competitors.

She said: "I'm inspired to be part of Maggie’s Midnight Run the Runway event at Inverness Airport: not only is it a great chance for people to challenge themselves whilst raising money for a great cause, but also a unique opportunity to do exactly what should be done on a runway – running.

“It will be a first for me, and I'm looking forward to what will surely be a fantastic atmosphere on the night and hopefully a big crowd of runners and walkers."

Maggie’s Highlands Centre Fundraising Manager Andrew Benjamin said: “Everyone at Maggie’s Highlands is delighted to be the chosen to be the charity for the Run the Runway event.

“It is such a different and exciting event and the funds raised will help Maggie’s make a huge difference to people with cancer, as well as their family and friends, from across the whole Highland region.

“Our calm and uplifting centres offer free practical, emotional and social support from expert staff and as we rely completely on voluntary donations partnerships such as this are vital to us. We are very grateful to be involved.”

Entry is now open at regonline.activeeurope.com/maggieshighlandsrunrunway

Registration for the event costs £15 per adult and £10 per child aged 12-16.