Story added: 16th February 2017

Running in Run Norwich for the first time this August and don't know what to expect? Get the inside knowledge with "Around the route with..."

First up is 40-year-old Philip Wright, a 10k debutant last year in 2016. Take it away, Phil…(and if you would like to submit your own course guide, please see details at the end of the article).

Name: Philip Wright

Age: 40

From: Hellesdon

Run Norwich experience: 2016 (00:51:23)

“A lot of runners will, on the 6th August, be in the same position that I was in in 2016 – in that Run Norwich will be the first 10k race that they have entered.

It may be off of the back of months of training or on the basis of perceiving a level of fitness which will make 10kms a “doddle” but for all at some point there will be a level of discovery that this is a tough race.

All will hope that on the morning of the race that the weather is pleasant, but with some cloud cover. In 2016 we weren’t so lucky (albeit we shouldn’t complain when the British weather is kind to us) and a flawless blue sky and powerful early morning sunshine greeted us.

If you are the nervous sort you may want to delay your arrival at the start as thousands of runners mill around hoping that this is their day. If on the other hand you thrive on adrenaline then you will want to be mingling amongst your fellow athletes from the very start.

So when it comes to the race itself – it should be no more difficult than your hardest training run – and it will be worth ensuring that you put the odd incline into your training to ensure you are ready for the notorious slopes of Norwich.

1km

This one will pass you by before you know it. Inevitably, whilst you are supposed to be surrounded on the start line by people of similar pace to you, it will be something of a scramble to ensure you are not being held up by “slow coaches” and not getting your heels clipped by those trying to go faster than you. By the time you reach Chapelfield Gardens a look across the park will show you that some of your fellow runners are already stretching out on Chapelfield – and by this time realisation should have struck that you will not win this race!

2km

Probably the fastest part of the race – a relatively natural order will have established in the bunch by the time you are on Chapelfield’s dual carriageway and then you race down St Stephen’s Street! Just be careful to temper your speed – remember you still have more than three quarters of the race still to run.

3km

A large crowd will help sweep you along Castle Meadow and then you encounter, what we will call, The South Face of Rose Lane Mountain, as you hurtle down to the sharp right hander onto King Street. The crowds will be thinner now – so it’s important to motivate yourself, or take your motivation from those around you.

4km

Fans of Norwich City will enjoy the next phase of the race as the majority of the 4th kilometre is spent circling Fortress Carrow Road. A drinks station awaits – and if the weather is like 2016 – any sip of water will be gratefully received. What is perhaps harder to appreciate is just how difficult it is to drink from a plastic cup whilst running without choking or losing most of the water over yourself. If you really need that drink – it’s best to stop and drink it – or practice to find a technique which allows you to drink on the run!

5km

This is another relatively flat part of the course taking in the Riverside complex. Again the temptation here may be to go too fast – but the most difficult parts of the race are still to come. The halfway point of the race – just past the Hotel Nelson – will also bring a sight of the race clock, so for those without watches this will be your first indication as to whether you are on or off pace.

6km

This is where the beast that is Rose Lane Mountain properly kicks in. It doesn’t seem like much when you drive from Norwich Station into the city, but when you are running on a hot summer’s day it is a real beast. Don’t feel ashamed if you need to walk for some of the way – as from The Steam Packet pub onwards is extremely steep (the temptation may be to stop completely and head into The Steam Packet but you don’t really want to do that do you?!). The reward for reaching the top is to head back down Prince of Wales Road – but it doesn’t seem so steep going back down again and, let’s be honest by now, your legs will be starting to feel it.

7km

When you are in a car the run alongside the Wensum on Riverside Road does not seem like a long way – but when you are running it – it may feel like it goes on forever. On the plus side you’re now into the final four kilometres – that’s probably no more than a standard training run that you’re so used to. Positive thoughts only by this time are needed – encourage your fellow runners around you – that will make you feel better also.

8km

A picturesque part of the course as the race winds in and around Norwich Cathedral – with the added bonus of the second drinks station. Those who know the City will, by instinct, want to turn left out of the Cathedral towards the finish – but I’m afraid you’ll have to turn right and away from the crowds…

9km

The penultimate kilometre starts gently enough as you make your way across the Magdalen Street but once you cross the Wensum for the sixth and final time it bites back. From here up until Castle Meadow is a constant uphill drag. It’s pretty gentle to begin with and the crowds who are lining the route will help you through and if you’ve got your name on your number they may call your name…!

10km

That’s it, you’re nearly there.

Not quite – the uphill drag continues along Tombland and Upper King Street and then really kicks up when you head up towards Castle Meadow. Fortunately once you are on Castle Meadow itself the road plateaus and even heads downhill into Red Lion Street. If you’re not aiming for a PB then you might feel able to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, high five somebody in the crowd, or look for those cheering you on. A right turn into Rampant Horse Street and another upward stretch but the finish is just around the corner. Is it time for a sprint, maybe, as you head across the front of The Forum and City Hall? And finally…the finish line. Time to get your medal and goody bag and then the question arises – what date is next year’s race?”

If you would like to contribute your own course guide, we’d love to hear from you!  Please submit your written piece via email to [email protected].

Boring spiel alert: the opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Run Norwich and its organisers.