Hundreds take part in RAF Shawbury Centenary Races

Around 500 competitors put on their track shoes for a10K route that included the main run way and the grounds, while a further 70 competitors got in the saddle for the 100km cycle race.

The organisers said they were delighted with the turn out for the for the sports project that was set up to mark 100 years of flying at the base and raise money for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to help military families. Around 1,200 people attended in total.

Attractions at the event included a spectacular appearance by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team which entertained with a 'low show' jump of 2,800ft in a plume of red and white smoke ahead of the start of the running race. The nine-man squad landed safely to rousing applause from the spectators.

Among the runners was Telford based police community support officer Andy King, 29, who took to raise money for children's hospice Hope House, which is also supported by staff at the airbase.

Mr King said: "I'm doing this because a friend of the family's son is poorly and the centre provides really good support to the family. I took part in the Market Drayton 10K last week and so far I've raised £100 in sponsorship and I'm hoping to raise more."

Dave Elkes, 48, of Market Drayton Running Club, lives in Loggerheads and said: "There is about a dozen of us taking part from the club. We like to run with our friends. I was based at RAF Cosford for 22 years as a technician instructor and Sergeant so I have another reasons to come and support RAF Shawbury today."

Laura Hayward, 36, of Kenley, is a medical secretary, and among more than 20 members of Shropshire Shufflers to race.

"I'm here to run in another 10K and as its a flat course we're hoping to get a personal best. My best time so far is just under 60 minutes and we take part in five to six races a year. And the air display was fabulous."

RAF Shawbury's Grp Capt Chuck Norris said: "We are absolutely delighted with the turn out. There are more than 500 participants her supporting us for our first ever race. We're looking to make this an annual event.

"We're also very happy that the weather stayed dry and the temperature was perfect. There was just a little wind, but otherwise it;'s been a perfect day."

Attractions included an aircraft display featuring the base's flight school squirrel and griffin helicopters that the Duke of Cambridge would have handled as part of his training at the base.

Volunteers serving water and goody bags to the athletes and cyclists included the Air Cadet Training Corps based at Shawbury, Oswestry and Chetwynd led by Flight Lt Allison Feast.