The 75-mile ‘Run To Pegasus’ traces the route taken by glider pilots in the advance wave from Tarrant Rushton Airfield in Dorset to Pegasus Bridge in Normandy, on the 75th anniversary of the events.

The gliders avoided detection and enabled British troops to capture the strategically important Pegasus Bridge and Horsa Bridge, preventing enemy forces from attacking the D-Day beach landings.

Around 200 intrepid volunteers will take part in the 24-hour charity run, which passes through Dorset countryside and the New Forest before heading to Southampton and Fareham, and finishing at the Ferry Terminal in Portsmouth. Runners and supporters will then board a ferry to Caen in Northwest France for the final leg to Pegasus Bridge.

Allan Wilkinson, director of Sunbury-on-Thames-based JSA Service, said: “Members of my family have served in the Royal Navy and special forces and we are proud to be sponsoring and participating in the Run To Pegasus to honour those who spearheaded the D-Day landings. It is an excellent initiative and will raise vital funds to help support veterans and their families. I invite anyone who would like get involved to join us and make a difference.”

The Run To Pegasus event will take place over three days from 04-06 June. To register, click here.