Story added: 29th August 2025

Meet some of our Run Norwich ever-presents

Each year, Run Norwich welcomes hundreds of new runners to our fine city, be that for their first ever race or in some occasions, their first ever run.

Whilst the scenic city-scape may be an all new-experience to some of our participants, others know every twist and turn of the course like it were the back of their hand.

This year, 294 runners are returning for their ninth rendition of Run Norwich, categorising themselves into our honoured ‘Ever-Presents’ group as they do so.

We always make sure we recognise the outstanding commitment of our Ever-Presents and this year is no different – Run Norwich 2025 will once again see the return of the celebratory star on the race bibs of our 294 ever-presents, celebrating their long-standing dedication to the event. There will also be additional recognition on the RN name wall at the Race Expo, located at The Forum from Friday 5th September until race day!

In this article, we look at a few of our ever-presents taking to the streets of Norwich for RN25, and find out just why they return each year without fail.

HEIDI SMITH

Heidi is a local runner and is currently a member of Thetford Athletics Club. Initially, she signed up for the inaugural Run Norwich as a personal challenge to herself, with added impetus on running for both friends and family non longer with her.

The adrenaline and sense of pride she gained from crossing the line for the first time was like nothing she had experienced before, with Heidi then making it her mission to repeat that feeling every year from then on in.

Heidi says she trains with old school friends in the build up to most of the races, making the most of the social time as well to catch up over some breakfast or a hot drink.

When asked why she continues to return to the event year in year out, she said:

“It’s the coming together with your people and also the believing in yourself. I just love being part of the community.”

CHRIS LUBBOCK

For Chris, the way the race seems to grow each year is ‘simply amazing’. He told us of how he still remembers the first race, way back in 2015, and how the relative obscurity of that event is now comparable to the 8000+ entrants signed up for 2025’s tenth-anniversary run.

Chris said the driving force that keeps him returning is the true scale of the crowds, and how something as little as a high-five or a cheer from a complete stranger can be enough to get you through those last few kilometres to the finish line.

For Chris, picking a favourite year from his eight times crossing the finish line was a challenging task, but for him, 2023 just edges it, as he recalled crossing the finish line together with two of his closest friends from his running club.

LORNA SULLIVAN

For Lorna Sullivan, the race means a lot more than just crossing the finish line. Since the first race in 2015, a lot has changed in her life.

Lorna has ran every race with her wife; Gemma and in that decade long span since that very first race day, the pair have got engaged, married, bought a house together, went through IVF treatment and in the last year welcomed their first child together.

Lorna told us that Run Norwich holds so many wonderful memories and milestones over the years that she simply cannot stop signing up – it’s become part of her life!

Last year, Lorna ran the 10k sixteen weeks pregnant – and this year, they’ll be a special someone watching from the sidelines – her three-month-old daughter, Stevie.

Lorna said:

“Hopefully, one day in the future our daugther will join both of her mummy’s in the race – it’s so special to us.”

STEVEN RIX

As a massive Norwich City fan, the city of Norwich has special meaning for Steven, who told us that he plans to be standing on the start line at Theatre Street every race day for as long as he can.

A standout moment for Steven was having his race medal presented to him by ex-City captain Adam Drury at one Run Norwich, saying this memory will forever be special to him.

Whilst Steven said that the growing crowds each year make the difficult points of the course easier, he did mention the formidable Rose Lane incline, which ‘seems to get harder every year!’

SARAH COLE

Sarah told us of how for her, Run Norwich started as a family occasion, which saw her, her parents and her brother show us each year to take to the streets of Norwich. Whilst her parents now no longer participate, Sarah has stuck at it.

Last year, Sarah took on the course slowly whilst 38 weeks pregnant, determined to keep the ever-present streak alive. Even during COVID, when the Community Sports Foundation offered up the ‘Virtual Run Norwich’ as an alternative to race-day itself, Sarah participated, demonstrating her love for the event as a whole.

This year, Sarah is back, saying she “can’t wait” to cross the finish line in this landmark tenth year.

NICK OVERY

For Nick, Run Norwich is always the ‘number one’ highlight on his running calendar, telling us he looks forward to it all year.

The iconic Norwich landmarks are a personal highlight to Nick, who says the cheer stations strategically positioned across the course make the run fly by, giving him no time to dwell on achey legs!

Nick is also a big collector of Run Norwich merchandise – as seen below, he has pretty much every Run Norwich race t-shirt to date and has also kept hold of all of his race numbers and medals, demonstrating his unwavering support and commitment towards the event.

To all of our Ever-Presents

To all 294 ever-presents returning to NR1 for their ninth rendition of our event – thank you.

Your unwavering support to Run Norwich doesn’t go unnoticed, and we hope to continue to welcome you back to our fine city for many years to come.

For all who responded to our post (👇 ) regarding sharing your stories as an Ever-Present – thank you. We had so many fantastic responses across our channels and simply couldn’t include you all! We virtually high five you all 🙌.

Ian Sears, Adrian Dyde, Mark Garrett, Em Jane, Nick Taylor, Joe Gilbert, Stuart Sayer, JSB Berry, Claire Broughton, Des Michael, Scott Bemment, Ali Brister, Claire Goldstone, Natalie Freeman, Richard Lain-Smith, Christopher High, Ian Moore, Emily Smith, Adrian Rutterford, Gavin Dent, Vanessa Dent, Alex Coburn, David Thornhill, James O’Grady