Fundraising ride offers ‘unique’ chance to cycle runway at RAF Marham - home to F-35 Lightning fighter jets

A global cycling event - which takes riders down the runway of an operational fast jet station - will be held at West Norfolk in June.

Cycling enthusiasts are being urged to sign up for RAFA Rides, organised by the RAF Association, which takes place on Saturday, June 7 at RAF Marham - the home of F-35 Lightning stealth fighter jets.

The organisers have said it is the only major cycling event in the UK that takes riders down such a runway, offering something “truly unique” to participants, with routes of 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles.

The entry fee is £44.50 which includes a RAFA Rides cycling jersey. There will be feed stations throughout the ride, refreshments at the finish and access to the RAFA Rides event village.

Liam Clark-Brown, associate director of fundraising and engagement at the RAF Association, said: “Since its inception RAFA Rides has been a key moment in the military charity cycling events calendar, uniting air force communities locally and internationally.

“It not only fosters a deep sense of connection between riders, but it also encourages participants to invest in their own physical and mental wellbeing. So sign up to be part of this global cycling community.”

Now in its eighth year, RAFA Rides has seen 5,000 riders from across the world take part.

Marham is one of three stations where events will be taking place.

Money raised through RAFA Rides events will go towards the RAF Association’s vital work providing much-needed help and support to thousands in the RAF community.

Last year, the event raised £150,000.

Find out more and sign-up at: https://rides.rafa.org.uk/join-us/#marham