Run Norwich

Gemma's Story

I’ve run every Run Norwich since it started, however in 2021 I was diagnosed with incurable cancer after a bad back turned out to be a collapsed vertebra.

I had chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, and am now in remission on maintenance treatment.

It’s been a long recovery and I suffer from fatigue, back pain, and neuropathy in my leg. Because of my spine, I wasn’t able to run like I could before and I’ve lost a lot of fitness, but I still completed the last two Run Norwich races to keep my streak going.

Suzanne's Story

I was in an RTC where a driver hit me as a pedestrian at the end of April, so I broke multiple ribs and my collarbone. I needed to do Run Norwich as an ever-present, so I started training to walk it with a pace of 15 min/miles.

I was really pleased to walk it faster than my predicted time. Not as quick as usual, but a great comeback after a tough few months.

Thank you for supporting all entrants to the race.

Brian's Story

I was a member of the running club at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital at the age of 59 to improve my health and lose weight. I have now done 209 park runs and all the Run Norwich races and feel much better for it – I can’t believe I am 71-years-old!

Anna's Story

I got into running because of my younger sister who was a really keen runner and she persuaded me to do it, so we’ve done Run Norwich together twice now.

I’ve since gone on to run half marathons and the London Marathon twice to raise money for breast cancer.

Sadly, my sister died of breast cancer in 2019, so I always do Run Norwich in her memory as it was a special race for us and the race that started my passion for running.

Nicole's Story

When I signed up for Run Norwich, I was well into my training and on track to smash my PB.

Then I had a mental health crisis and didn’t feel like running.

When I finally got back into it, I had an accident and broke my arm – 9 weeks before the event. I was finally cleared to run 3 weeks before Run Norwich, but I almost decided not to go as I gained weight and was generally so unfit. However, I had already raised £100 for The Feed and didn’t want to let people down, so I decided I was still going to take part and walk if I had to.

The supporters were amazing, cheering me on, even though I was 10-minutes slower and sometimes walking. I am proud I went. It’s not about that PB, it’s just about taking part. I had an amazing day.

Liam's Story

I met a fellow runner around 3km and we ran the whole way together. We spoke about our love for running and what time we would like to get. We encouraged each other through different parts of the course and finished the race together. PB’s for both of us!

Nina's Story

I signed up for Run Norwich in December after my friends’ recommendations – she does it every year. On 3rd January, my dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and sadly passed away in April. I thought I would make the most of the opportunity at Run Norwich and I set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the amazing team that helped to look after my dad.

I have already lost my mum to cancer, which is my inspiration to run and keep fit. No matter how emotionally and physically drained I have felt in the weeks since my dad’s passing, I got up and trained every day, and ran every step of Run Norwich in memory of my father.

It has spurred me on to continue to raise money for charities that do the amazing work they do.

Peter's Story

This was my first race after coming out as a gay man and I wore my running skirt without fear as Norwich really supports Pride. This was my third Run Norwich and I beat my previous best by 7 minutes.

Michelle's Story

My stubbornness got me to the race, and my determination got me around the race and to that finish line.

I lost my mum 4-years-ago on the 17th July, which is around the date that Run Norwich is, so I want to try and do it every year, regardless of my circumstances. It reminds me of her strength and the battle she fought with cancer.

This year, running on an injury may not have been a good idea, but I did it with the strength that I got from my mum.