The city of Norwich will welcome thousands of athletes and supporters to a new 10km road race event on 30th August. The ‘Run Norwich’ initiative has been developed to provide a boost for the city’s business and tourism prospects, in addition to supporting a number of local charities. It will also act to re-inforce the city’s credentials as a premier road running venue, backing up the popularity of the existing Norwich Half-Marathon, Trowse 10km and Lord Mayor’s 5km events.

Impressive list of backers

More than a year in the planning, the event has significant backing from the local community. Among the key partners in Norfolk supporting the event are:

  • The Norwich Bid
  • Visit Norfolk
  • The Forum Trust
  • Norwich City Council
  • Active Norfolk
  • Norwich City Football Club
  • The Community Sports Foundation

Race details

With entries now closed, around 3800 runners are expected to set out from the front of the City Hall at 9:30am on Sunday morning. With potentially another 10,000 spectators providing their support to the competitors on the day, music and dance will help to keep the crowds entertained, besides refreshments on offer to provide them with sustenance.

A Race Village in Chapelfield Gardens will form the hub of race activity on the day, with CSF & Active Norfolk inflatables and warm-up areas available, besides free massages and post-run photo opportunities.

The course itself has been designed to incorporate many of the city’s major landmarks, including Chapelfield Gardens, Castle Meadow (in the shadow of the castle itself), Norwich City’s football ground and Norwich Cathedral. The finish affords the athletes a view of The Forum, the impressively designed community building that acts as the home to the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library and the BBC East studios.

Meticulous planning before the event

Boasting a traffic free course through the very heart of the city itself, the preparations have been meticulous in sifting through the logistical issues involved in holding an event of such magnitude.

Besides the complexities of shutting down busy roads leading into the city for the event’s duration, hundreds of pamphlets have been delivered to local residents informing them about the event and the potential for disruption.

Parking zones in the city centre have also required temporary displacements over the weekend, necessitating co-operation with affected local residents as they move their vehicles elsewhere to comply with parking restrictions.

Allowance for East Coast Truckers’ charity convoy

A potential traffic headache around the football ground area has been avoided, with the start of the annual East Coast Truckers’ charity convoy to Pleasurewood Hills and Great Yarmouth being courteously delayed to accommodate the race requirements.

CONAC provide marshalling assistance

Local Athletics club City of Norwich AC will provide some of the voluntary manpower required for the marshalling of the race, with assistance from representatives from the other organisations backing the event.

It promises to be an exciting inaugural race on a challenging course around the historic city of Norwich. With a first prize of £500 on offer for the winner in both the men’s and women’s event, plus numerous additional age category awards, the event is sure to be keenly contested.