On Sunday, Newport & District Running Club’s Phil Dolding and David Evans both took part in the Cosford “Spitfire” 10k, a road race which takes place on the runways and service roads at RAF Cosford. With just 21 metres of climbing, this is one of flatter races locally, allowing runners to go for a quick time.

Phil recorded a time of exactly 44 minutes, which gave him an overall position of 60th, out of 814 runners, whilst David finished in 125th place in a time of 47:55. Afterwards, Phil gave the event the thumbs-up, and also shared some poignant words about how an aspect of the race felt connected to one of his family members: 

“The race was a lovely event – even if about “250 metres long”. Motivational music from a quartet of pipers was great! The race included zipping up and down the runway multiple times. I was chuffed to finish 5th in my age group, my category being “V55-59 creaking, greying, slowing up, old goats”. Life in the old goat yet!

Each runner is issued with two bibs. One with the usual running number and the other with the name of an RAF pilot. It was poignant that the pilot’s name I was allocated also happened to be my third forename. I was given the names John and Donald, after brothers that each of my parents had lost due to childhood illnesses. 

My uncle Donald died in 1937 (aged 13). Spitfire pilot Donald Kennedy McDonald was from Edinburgh. He went missing (presumed shot down) 83 years and 1 day ago (28 Aug 1940). He had just turned 22. Tragically, his brother Harold (a name shared with another of my maternal uncles), also a Spitfire pilot, was killed in action exactly one month later. The emotional toll on their parents must have been awful. Just one of thousands, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of future generations.”