Story added: 22nd July 2019

Wonderful scenes in the city centre as 6,199 runners take on 10-kilometre course

A record 6,199 runners completed Run Norwich yesterday.

The fifth iteration of the run, organised by the Community Sports Foundation (CSF) and partners, was the first in its new weekend slot of late July.

In warm conditions, the race, which had sold out in just four days back in January, saw it largest ever starting field assemble around the City Hall and Norwich market for the grand start.

The honour of starting the race went to Stuart Webber, Norwich City Football Club’s Sporting Director. Once underway, the sea of runners swept through the 10-kilometre city centre course, passing iconic landmarks such as the Castle and Norwich Cathedral, spurred on by the passionate support from tens of thousands of spectators and over 450 volunteers.

First over the line, and taking his first Run Norwich title, was 21-year-old Logan Smith from City of Norwich Athletics Club (CoNAC). Visibly emotional as he crossed the line, his time of 31:41 was a minute shy of last year’s course record set by Nick Earl.

Logan was followed over the line by club mates Ben Spratling and Piers Arnold, making it a second successive 1-2-3 clean sweep for CoNAC.

In the women’s race, CoNAC’s 26 year-old Iona Lake took her first title on her race debut in a time of 36:24, with fellow newcomers Rose Penfold (Fulham Running Club) and Philippa Bowden (Aldershot Farnham & District) completing the podium.

Aside from those chasing a personal best time, many were taking to the streets for their first ever organised run or running for a special cause, including over 800 runners who were representing CSF and its two other chosen official race charities: The Nancy Oldfield Trust and Headway Norfolk & Waveney.

Ian Thornton, CSF’s Chief Executive, reflected on the record breaking morning:

“The city came alive yesterday. It’s an incredible spectacle, and it’s humbling to see how the race has so quickly become such an important event in the city’s calendar.

“We couldn’t have done it without our army of 450 volunteers. We are indebted to them, as well as our partners and supporters across the city. It’s a real team effort, but a lot of hard work from a lot of people is always worth it when you see what Run Norwich means to people on race day.”

The Foundation wishes to thank partner organisations The Forum, Norwich BID, Norwich City Council and Norwich City Football Club for their support, as well as sponsors Ashtons Legal, Computer Service Centre, Aston Shaw, Jordan Fitness, Jarrold Intersport, Skoda Robinsons, Global Clinic Norwich, ESP Merchandise, Lovell Homes, plus all of our race supporters.

If you feel your business can add to this incredible support next year, please contact [email protected].