Story added: 31st July 2018

Cheering on the runners? Check out our spectator guide for all you need to know about the race

Over 7,000 entrants mean we’re set for a record-breaking field of runners – and with that, a record-breaking crowd of spectators.

With tens of thousands of spectators expected to line the streets, balconies and windows of Norwich’s city centre, we’ve compiled a quick guide so you know the best spots to cheer on the runners come Sunday.

Key timings

8.00am – Race Village & baggage trailers open

08.30am – Start pens open

09.30am – Race start

11.30am* – Race presentations in the Race Village.

*Time of presentation may vary – to follow last finisher

Map of cheer zones & music points

Click the image to download a PDF of the map. 

Best viewing points

With 10-kilometres of route to catch the action from, there’s plenty of choice.  For the best atmosphere and experience, we’ve detailed some of our recommended viewing spots:

•    Start / finish area (City Hall / Market / Millennium Plain) For obvious reasons, one of the best places to experience Run Norwich as a spectator. With just half-an-hour separating the gun to the winner passing the finishing tape, plus plenty of entertainment, it’ll be the busiest part of the course. The Community Sports Foundation have a cheer zone on Theatre Street.

•    Red Lion St & St Stephens St junction Ashtons Legal will be running a cheer zone at the base of Theatre street.  Runners will pass the spot twice during their run, and it is a great spot to catch the runners make their final burst to the finish line. Ashtons Legal will be distributing thousands of bam-bam sticks to help spectators make some noise!

•    Castle Meadow A popular spot for spectators, Castle Meadows offers the opportunity to view the runners at both the start of their race and in their final kilometre. Cut through from Gentlemen’s Walk following the start and you’ll be able to catch the runners at three times in their journey.

•    The ‘summit’ of Rose Lane / Prince of Wales The awesome Rock Choir will be performing throughout the race at the Prince of Wales / Rose Lane and Castle Meadow intersection. Runners past this point three times (the only spot on the course where this happens) so it makes an ideal spot to take in the action.  You’ll be able to wish runners well after their Rose Lane climb and encourage them home as they finish their final kilometre.

•  Rose Lane Aston Shaw will be hosting a cheer zone on the Rose Lane climb, complete with a DJ to set the beat. Check out details of what they’re offering here.

• Riverside The Riverside Entertainment Complex provides plenty of viewing options from the various bars and restaurants (an alfresco brunch, anyone?), while in front of Riverside Leisure Centre the Community Sports Foundation’s cheer zone should be lively.

• Norwich Cathedral One of the most picturesque vantage points on the route is in the Cathedral Close. A Samba band – Music Makers – will be performing by the Erpingham Gate, Computer Service Centre’s designated cheer zone. It’s a viewing spot which allows spectators to catch the runners twice when the route loops back on itself on Magdalen Street.

The Race Village

Once you are all done cheering on the runners, head on over to the Race Village at Chapelfield Gardens to join the runners and soak up the post-race atmosphere. Expect live music, entertainment, and a number of food and drink vendors.  The winners will be presented with their trophies by our (as yet unrevealed) celebrity guest, once the final runner has passed the finish line (c. 11.30am).

Race day Travel & Road Closures

Details of the best places to park in the city centre, the special Park & Ride service and information on other public transport options can all be found here. For road closures and times, please click here.

The race for silverware!

With two previous champions going head-to-head for the first time, it should be very exciting at the front of the pack. We’ve detailed who to look out for here

Design a cheer board

You can’t beat a cheer board, and we’ve had some crackers over the years! Supporters can design their own at the Race Expo @ The Forum for free, thanks to Norse Group. Details about the opening times of the Expo can be found here.