Runners get off to a flying start at RAF base as Spitfire race returns
Hundreds of runners flew through an RAF base as part of a charity run.
RAF Cosford hosted its annual Spitfire 10k race this Sunday for runners aged 15 and above.
In a sold out event, more than 800 runners took part, running round the magnificent surroundings of the iconic RAF museum.
The race began in Hangar One before runners headed outside and began with a loop of the museum site past iconic aircraft including the VC10, Hercules and Nimrod, before heading onto the airfield at RAF Cosford. Runners found themselves gliding alongside wartime hangars, the air traffic control tower before a sprint down the runway.
The scenic route around the military airfield took the runners past more historic landmarks before they headed back to the museum site to cross the finish line.
Everyone who took part was awarded a medal, while bespoke t-shirts were also available to purchase on the day.
The race cost £22.50 to enter, with all money going to the RAF museum, but RAF Cosford opened its museum up for free to runners, spectators and supporters looking to explore the base's ground on the day. More than one thousand people descended onto Cosford for the day, including both runners and spectators.
Runners officially set off at 10am, but people were flooding into the airfield site from 8am onwards.
The museum which all its runners good luck on social media prior to the start, tweeting: "Welcome and good luck to those taking part in the Spitfire 10K race today at Cosford, hope you all enjoy the day."
RAF Cosford describes its annual race as 'unique'.
RAF Museum public events manager Abi Betteridge said: “It’s such a unique event, there really is no other race like it."
The more than 800 runners this year has surpassed last year's total, where there was believed to be around 650 who took part.
For more information on the race or other upcoming events at the museum go to RAF Cosford Museum's website at www.rafmuseum.org.uk
