Story added: 24th July 2015

Laura Ruddy and Canaries legend sign up for Run Norwich

Laura Ruddy and Canaries legend Paul McVeigh are the latest high-profile names to don their trainers for Run Norwich, a new 10K road race through the city centre on Sunday 30th August.

The race, organised by Norwich City FC’s official charity partner the Community Sports Foundation (CSF), looks set to be the biggest running event of its kind in the region, with over 3,300 runners already signed up.

Laura, wife of Norwich City first-team goalkeeper John Ruddy, is no stranger to the world of running and says she is ready for the challenge:

“I do have some running experience – I represented my county as a schoolgirl and I took part in the London Marathon for this first time this April, which I absolutely loved.

“It’s fantastic that we’ll get to experience a big run in our own city-centre.”

Laura won’t be alone – she has enlisted Lucy Parmenter, partner of City striker Gary Hooper, to join her on the run:

“We’ve promised we won’t race each other, though I suspect Lucy could comfortably beat me if it came down to it! It’s great to hear that so many women of all ages have signed up to this race, including many first-time runners.”

Ex-City winger Paul McVeigh will also be joining Laura and Lucy on the start-line, along with TV presenter Jake Humphrey.

McVeigh, who has recently moved back to the area, said he didn’t hesitate when asked if he wanted to run the event:

“It’s going to be a massive event for the city of Norwich and the organisers have chosen a really exciting route. I’m glad to see it includes a lap around Carrow Road – it will be nice to be back in familiar surroundings!

“I like to think I’ve kept myself in good shape from my playing days – I’ve done a few half marathons, marathons and 5Ks, but never a 10k. I’m tentatively targeting a sub-45 minute finish!”

Both Ruddy and McVeigh are using their links to the football club to run on behalf of CSF and help support the charity’s work with disabled and disadvantaged people in the local community.

Alongside raising funds for CSF’s programmes, three other local causes have been chosen to benefit from the event: Norfolk Accident Rescue Service, Age UK Norwich, and Nelson’s Journey.

Runners can choose to fundraise via main race sponsors BT MyDonate’s fundraising platform or by purchasing an official charity race t-shirt with all proceeds going directly to the charities.

CSF director Ian Thornton said:

“I’m delighted that both Paul and Laura have chosen to support CSF in the run. The response from runners who wish to support not just our charity but the three other official race causes has been fantastic.

“As a football club we are committed to supporting charities and the vision behind launching Run Norwich, besides increasing participation in sport and attracting visitors to the city, was to give these worthy causes funds and exposure.

“We’re grateful to all our race sponsors and partners for their invaluable support.”

Join Laura and Paul on the startline for Run Norwich. Enter before Friday, 31 July here