Saturday night saw the first running of a new event for the Almost Athletes, The Meteor Mile at Gloucestershire Airport.

An unusual and beautiful venue for a mile race

As the name suggests, it’s a 1 mile dash, but what makes this race special is that it took place on the runway of the airport with the landing lights etc on. It’s an incredible venue, with registration in the arrivals lounge as the sun goes down. There were 96 runners on the start line and plenty of support waiting at the finish for them.

Me and the other marshals modelling the beautiful race track.

There was ample opportunity to warm up as competitors were led the half mile down the taxi runway to the start on the far side of the aerodrome, then on the gun it was 200m to the first corner to join the runway for 1300m of beautifully lit tarmac and a final turn in to the sprint for the line.

Toeing the line…

The first runner was back in 5m:16s, the last taking 12m:57s but everyone  gave it their all and the effort from the competitors was huge. (There were some very interesting noises at the finish line as runners tried to keep their lungs in their bodies!)

First place went to Andrew Kaighin in 5:16

All the runners gave it everything to cover the mile as quickly as possible.

This is how close the ladies race was! Luckily the timer on the left looks like a highly skilled and darned good looking chap…

Well done to everyone who organised, volunteered and ran The Meteor Mile, already looking forward to next year’s event!

A brilliant and quick montage of all the race finishers and their times.

(photos from a number of sources in the club, thanks guys)