THEY ran at rocket speed and helped a fundraiser take off.

Hundreds swooped on Southampton Airport's runways to take part in a fun run like no other.

More than 400 people got up at sunrise and replaced planes on the tarmac as they raced 5k for Where There's a Will.

The event raised more than £8,000 which will help the charity continue its work supporting patients who are being treated at Southampton General Hospital's intensive care unit and their family and friends.

Among the runners was Matt King from Winchester who became the 5am fun run's fastest ever participant, completing the course in 16 minutes 32 seconds. Not far behind, was the event's fastest female runner, Karen Andrews from Hedge End who made it to the finish line in 18 minutes 49 seconds. And Isaac Andrews, 13, from Burley and Mia Nash from Eastleigh were named fastest male and fastest female under 18.

Charity founder Heather Parsons said: “We are totally indebted to Southampton Airport for giving us this very special opportunity to hold a fundraising event on the runway at sunrise. 

"What very special people are awake so early in the morning. We were bowled over by the fantastic support we received from every runner, staff helper and our very own volunteers. 

"Having been a critically ill patient myself, the parallels of the event weren't lost on me from being awake in the middle of the night, to watching every person taking their own time to finish and the seeing their elation once they had made it. A stunning day in every way.”