Story added: 26th June 2023

From training to their cheer station, here's how race partners Acora One are gearing up for Run Norwich 2023

We caught up with Daniel Smith (Digital Marketing Executive) from race partners Acora One to discuss all things Run Norwich.

So Daniel, will you yourself be lining up on the start line this year?
Unfortunately, not this year. As the marketing lead, I’m responsible for our cheer station on the day, so my focus is on making that a memorable experience for those who are running. Hopefully, we can provide great encouragement to those running.

Alongside yourself, how many colleagues will be involved on race day?
We should have around 8-10 runners, some of whom this will be their first Run Norwich. For our cheer station, we should have a good number of volunteers too.  I’m still working on the number as we speak 😊

As you know, Acora One have been supporting the official Run Norwich training club, which has seen over 100 participants embark on a 12-week training course with Olympian Paul Evans at The Nest. But how has training been going for your staff?
Pretty well, I would say. I haven’t heard of any injuries being sustained, which is always a plus, and I’ve heard good things about their ongoing progress with times etc.

It’s been a big year of change for you guys. Tell us about the rebrand from Computer Service Centre to Acora.
In September last year, we were officially acquired by Acora. We rebranded to Acora One in March, as their specialised SME-focused division, combining with Westgate and M9. Under the hood, it’s still the same team, with some new additions and a new brand to go with it. There’s been some fantastic work going on behind the scenes.

Computer Service Centre, and now Acora has backed Run Norwich since the very first race in 2015.  What is it about the event that brings you back year after year?
As a not-for-profit race, Run Norwich helps to support the Community Sports Foundation’s projects and initiatives in the community. From programmes for disabled children to mental-wellbeing projects for the elderly, the Foundation has supported so many people across Norfolk over the years. We’re really proud to help drive this invaluable work in the local area.

What would Acora One’s advice be for those taking on the race for the first-time?
Our advice would be to ensure you’re well hydrated and to enjoy it. In my humble opinion, Norwich is a beautiful city and Run Norwich is set out in a way that really embraces it.

How will Acora be amping up the famous Run Norwich atmosphere this year? 
Last year, we had a samba band around the 9km mark on Tombland. It’s a very difficult part of the course, as it’s the last kilometre, so it was great to see the encouragement it gave the runners. For this year, we plan to have a steel band lifting the spirits around the same spot, with some fan clappers too.

We hear you’ve got an exciting competition lined up for the Expo – can you give our runners a sneak preview as to what to expect?
That would be telling! As part of Run Norwich 2023, we will be giving away an Apple Watch SE to one lucky winner. Details on how to enter will be released soon. Watch this space! 👀

Finally, what’s in store for Acora One as a business this year – any new and exciting developments you can share?
We’re really looking forward to the year ahead as we continue to develop our products and services for our customers, but also as we grow the team locally and nationally as part of Acora.

About Acora One

In March, we became the specialist SME-focused division of Acora.

We were formed from the teams of Computer Service Centre, Westgate, and M9 to become Acora One.

We specialise in managed IT support and IT services to all types of SMEs – throughout the UK and internationally too.

We’re perfectly suited to the market we serve. We deliver exactly what SMEs need, no more and no less.

We’re small enough to know our clients well, but not so small that we end up letting them down.

We’re large enough to have rock-solid infrastructure, processes, and finances, but not so big that SMEs can’t afford us.

One firm, one partner, one number to call. No buck-passing, blame-shifting or finger-pointing.

That’s the Acora One promise.

Put simply; We’re your tech team.

Find out more about Acora One here