Marham Flyers hosts summer special 10k and duathlon to commemorate D-Day

The annual Marham Flyers summer special 10k and duathlon was dedicated to commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with a packed field of 200 competitors participating in both events and a very special D-Day 80 medal awarded to every finisher.The races, which take place each year, are within the airfield perimeter, making them unique in using an almost traffic-free, well-maintained road, the only vehicles dedicated to supporting the event.With no wind and a cloudless day, the conditions on the day would have been viewed as excellent but with temperatures at the highest for the year, the sweltering heat made it a real challenge for all taking part.The duathlon started before the main run with the cyclists finding the newly resurfaced road excellent going, reflected in the excellent times achieved for the 20k ride although all found the subsequent 10k run a challenge.The 10k race went smoothly with the support team ensuring anyone struggling in the conditions had sufficient water, in addition to that provided at the water station by Air Cadets from our local 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron who did a brilliant job given the conditions.Race director, Gary Walker, said: “It was great to see a full turnout for this very special commemorative event with so many from the local clubs taking part.”Although the heat on the day was concerning, we nevertheless saw some really good performances.” A special thank you goes to the Station Commander, Gp Capt Fred Wigglesworth for allowing the event to go ahead and to all the volunteers from the local running clubs and groups, who came to assist in the administration and marshalling.The prizes were awarded as follows: DuathlonMen: 1 Mark van Ree 1:10:48.1, 2 Anthony Cude 1:16:02.6 (Runners-Next-the-Sea), 3 Richard Allison 1:16:14.6.Women: 1 Tracey Pratt 1:27:15.2, 2 Lucy Cook 1:35:09.7 (Tri Harder), 3 Lisa Holman 1:35:26.1. 10k men: 1 Simon Wright 36:34.5 (Norfolk Gazelles AC), 2 Jordan Humm 38:11.1 (City of Norwich AC), 3 Paul Brittain 39:48.2.WomenOverall: Leanne Finch 37:06.9 (Bure Valley Harriers), 2 Kirsty Butters 42:46.0 (Ryston Runners), 3 Julie Williamson 44:55.9 (Ryston Runners).