We preview some of the names that could be on the podium this year

With race day just around the corner, we’ve compiled a short preview of some of the contenders for the podium spots at this year’s race.

Men’s Race

[18/7 EDIT: Ash Harrell is a late withdrawal from the race due to injury] One man will feel that Run Norwich 2019 could finally be his year. City of Norwich Athletic Club’s Ash Harrell (2nd #RN17 #RN18) has finished second the past two years, and with previous winners Nick Earl and Michael Kallenberg both unable to race this year, he’ll feel it could be his for the taking. He’ll look to better his time of 31:34 that he set last time out.

Among those that will be challenging Ash is Run Norwich newcomer Norman Shreeve. The 32-year-old from Cambridge & Coleridge AC grew up near Wroxham, and has achieved PBs on the track this season including 5km (14:19) and 10,000 (30:18). He won the Salford 10km in 31.03 in April, and should he adjust to what is a tricky course, he could push Ash all the way.

Adrian Mussett (3rd #RN15; 3rd #RN17), like Ash Harrell, is no stranger to the Run Norwich podium and after missing last year’s race through injury will be looking to challenge once again. The veteran won the GEAR 10k in 32:46 back in May.

Also returning this year is Piers Arnold (2nd #RN16), who missed last year’s race due to his honeymoon (no excuse, Piers!). He won the City of Norwich Half Marathon in April.

Piers is coached by CoNAC’s James Senior (3rd #RN18) who finished third at Run Norwich 2018. James is also the coach of 21-year-old Logan Smith, and while 10k is a step-up for what the youngster usually runs, his lightning 5k time of 14.32 at the Armagh 5k this year indicates he could be a contender.

Another CoNAC-er in contention will be Scott Greeves. Born in Reepham, Scott currently also runs for Idaho State University Men’s Cross Country team in the U.S, but will be back in Norwich for the race. Run Norwich regulars Dom Blake and Michael Eccles will be striving for their first Run Norwich podium finish, along with Nick Earl’s twin brother Jonny Earl.

Women’s race

CoNAC’s Dani Nimmock (#RN15 3rd; #RN18 1st) took her first victory at Run Norwich last year, setting a new female course record in the process.

She’ll be looking to make it two out of two, and her form – which includes setting a 10k PB of 33.41 at the England 10k Championships in Brighton this year – indicates she’ll be tough to stop. She’s building up to representing Great Britain for the first time in the IAU 50K World Championships in Romania in September (read our interview with her here).

A Run Norwich newcomer will be looking to challenge Dani in her quest for gold. Philippa Bowden mostly runs track, but is relishing the challenge of racing on tarmac. The Aldershot, Farnham & District runner currently competes for the University of Oregon cross-country team in the USA, and has run 33:35 at 10,000m this year.

CoNAC’s Iona Lake is well-known on the Norfolk running scene, and is making her Run Norwich debut this year. In May, she ran a road 5k PB in May of 16.25 in Ipswich, and clocked a 34:57 at the Vitality 10k in London.

Fulham Running Club’s Rose Penfold is a Run Norwich newcomer this year, and has two 10k wins in London to her name this year: the Self-Transcendence 10k in June and the Serpentine New Year’s Day 10k, where she ran 36:47.

Last year’s second and third placers Leanne Finch (2nd #RN18) and Jo Andrews (3rd #RN18, 3rd #RN17) will look to repeat last year’s podium finishes. Jo Andrews is currently the top ranked V45 women in the U.K, while Leanne Finch came second at the Snetterton 10k in January.

CoNAC’s Emma Risbey (1st #RN17) won Run Norwich in 2017 but, following a break from racing last year, is only just starting to train again. She thinks it’s unlikely she’ll be a podium contender, but is still looking forward to racing.