A hugely popular night-time charity 5km fun run is returning to Southampton Common on Saturday 21 September, to raise vital funds for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Last September 750 participants joined the fun at the Southampton Dash in the Dark, raising £30,000. Since the first Dash in 2019, more than £150,000 has been raised – enough to fund 45 life-saving missions.

Participants of all ages are encouraged to light up the night with their brightest clothes, funkiest fancy dress, neon face-paints and fluorescent glow-sticks to support their local air ambulance.

Runners and walkers of all ages can take part in this family-friendly event, with every penny raised helping the charity to treat the most critically ill and injured patients in the region.

Participants include Dean and Logan-James who are running in support of their son and brother, Tyler (15), who sustained critical injuries when he was hit by a car outside his school in Tidworth in 2023.

Dean said:

“My son is very lucky to be here. We are so grateful for the fast response of the air ambulance and their great efforts to make sure my son was stable enough to be flown to hospital. Without them, I hate to write, it would have been a totally different outcome. So I feel like we owe them a lot, and I will continue to support and fundraise for them at every chance I get.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Director of Income and Engagement, Keith Wilson, said:

“We have been night flying since January 2016. Last year, 29% (534) of our emergency calls happened under the cover of darkness. It is only thanks to our dedicated wave of supporters from events such as Dash in the Dark that we can be there for those who need our help. A huge thank you to everyone who continues to champion this event and our charity, helping us save lives every day.”

Sign up today to receive a free Dash in the Dark T-shirt. All participants will also receive a glow in the dark medal at the finish line. Check in on the night will open at 6pm. The warm-up will start at 7pm, with the 5km dash beginning at 7.15pm, as darkness falls.

The route is softly lit and paved throughout, though head torches are recommended.

Ticket prices have remained the same price as last year’s event, with adult tickets costing £20 and children (5-15 years) £16. Every penny raised goes towards keeping the air ambulance charity on the frontline and saving lives. Tickets can be purchased via: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/SouthamptonDashintheDark