Marham Flyers host annual New Year’s Eve 10k

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 Year’s 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, Three Counties RC and many more from muchfurther afield.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, allowing his son Lockey to get a head start, which he was then unable to beat. 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.”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. This year also saw the event’s first wheelchair entrant, Royal Navy veteran and West Norfolk Athletic Club member, Susi Rogers-Harley, who finished in 1:16.Rogers-Harley is also a regular at King’s Lynn parkrun and was supported on her way around by parkrun director Jon Plumb, who has also signed on as her support runner in this year’s TCS London Marathon. The first home for West Norfolk AC was Adam Howard, who is currently enjoying a resurgence with his running.Howard finished 18th overall with a time of 38:11. Ryan Oakes was next back, pacing friend of the club Beth Moden, running 40:11.Henry Gosnell ran his first-ever road 10k, after starting off with teammate Oliver Gayton with the intention of a PB for Gayton (sub 53), they finished in 42.06 and 46.11 respectively with Gayton smashing his PB.Rob Gosnell made a positive start to his London marathon training, finishing the 10k in 44:41.The Laurence sisters both had a successful day with a big PB for Jess in 48.32 and Lauren in 55.14.Steve Bolt ran 52:18, yet another PB and a great start to 2025, whilst next for the club was Sally Edwards running 54:47, again on good form.