RAF Marham Once Again Hosts The Marham Flyers New Years Eve 10K
- By Gary Walker
- 3 weeks ago
- West Norfolk
- Share:
RAF Marham was once again the setting for the final running event of both the area and the year, hosting, under the guise of the Marham Flyers, its annual New Years Eve 10K
Now in its 10th year, the event saw the biggest sign up yet with a sell out 500 places. Such is the popularity of the race there were also 80 unfortunate applicants on the waiting list.
The weather was quite mild and dry when the runners started gathering for registration, with participants covering all the local clubs. There were large contingents from Ryston Runners, West Norfolk AC, Fenland AC and Three Counties RC and with many more from much further afield.
The Station Commander, Gp Capt Leonie Boyd was unfortunately away but her predecessor, Gp Capt Fred Wigglesworth was on hand to not only take part but to also welcome the crowd to Marham. He also started the race off on her behalf.
Organiser and Race Director Gary Walker expressed his satisfaction with this year’s event saying: “Each year we try to make the New Year’s Eve 10K bigger and better, this year exceeding all expectations, with the race having sold out by the end of October.
It is also great to see so many from the local running community taking part. All the funds raised from the event were for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity”.
Andrew Jakeman and Katie Vargeson
The race saw impressive performances, with Andrew Jakeman from March AC finishing first in a time of 32:45, while Katie Vargeson from Three Counties Running Club led the women’s race, finishing in an equally impressive time of 38:47.
Susi Rogers-Hartley with her support runner Jon Plume
This year also saw the events first wheelchair entrant, Royal Navy veteran and West Norfolk AC member, Susi Rogers-Harley, who finished in 1:16. Susi is also a regular at King’s Lynn parkrun and was supported on her way round by parkrun Run Director Jon Plumb, who has also signed on as her support runner in this year’s TCS London Marathon.
All photos: Credit Tony Payne
