Story added: 11th July 2019

Cheering on the runners? Here's all you need to know about the 10k race

7,500 entrants mean we’re set for a record-breaking field of runners – and with that, a record-breaking crowd of spectators.

We’ve compiled a quick guide for the tens of thousands of spectators expected to line the streets, balconies and windows of Norwich’s city centre on Sunday 21st July.

Key timings

08.00am – 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 here to download a high-res 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, this is 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, 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 bringing the noise and colour to the base of Theatre Street with their cheer zone. 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 hundreds of clappers to help spectators ramp up the noise.

• Castle Meadow A popular spot for spectators, Castle Meadow 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. SPANgle Pan will be playing live music here.

• The ‘summit’ of Rose Lane / Prince of Wales The awesome Rock Choir will once again 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 set-up base camp. Race charity Headway Norfolk & Waveney will have a cheer zone here, too.

• Rose Lane At the halfway mark of the race, Aston Shaw will be hosting a cheer zone on the now ‘infamous’ climb. Just outside their offices at The Union Building, they’ll have a DJ and plenty of noise and colour. More details here.

• Carrow Road & Riverside The Riverside Entertainment Complex provides plenty of viewing options from the various bars and restaurants (alfresco brunch, anyone?), and Aviva’s Choir will be performing. There are two cheer zones here: the Community Sports Foundation will be in front of Riverside Leisure Centre, while Delia’s Restaurant will host Delia’s Catering‘s cheer zone

• Bishopsgate Global Clinic Norwich‘s cheer zone is located next to the historic medieval Bishop Bridge, then runners cross on the approach to the Cathedral.

• Norwich Cathedral One of the most picturesque vantage points to watch the race is at the Cathedral Close. Computer Service Centre‘s designated cheer zone is opposite Erpingham Gate, while race charity The Nancy Oldfield Trust’s cheer zone is located inside the grounds of the Cathedral. Nearer the 8km mark, by the Wig & Pen pub, race sponsors Lovell Homes will be hosting their own cheer zone.

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 music, entertainment, and a number of food and drink vendors.  The winners will be presented with their trophies on the main bandstand 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 the podium

With the prospect of new champion being crowned in the men’s race, and Dani Nimmock looking to defend her title in the women’s race, we’re set for a cracker. We’ve detailed who to look out for at the front here.