Story added: 7th August 2017

Close to 5,000 runners take to the city centre streets for race

Glorious blue skies and crowd-filled streets formed the majestic backdrop to Sunday’s Run Norwich, as a record turnout of runners ran the Community Sports Foundation (CSF)’s annual city centre 10k race.

A sellout 6,000 entrants had entered the race, back in the city for a third consecutive year.

The route, unchanged from the previous year, took the runners on a scenic 10-kilometre tour through the heart of the city centre, passing many of the city’s landmarks including Norwich Cathedral and Norwich City Football Club.

It was Norwich City FC legend Grant Holt who had the responsibility of pressing the starter horn and getting the enthusiastic field of runners underway, which included fellow ex-Canaries Dean Ashton and Iwan Roberts.

At the front, and in the absence of two-time champions Nick Earl and Tracy Barlow, the stage was set for two race debutants to get their first taste of Run Norwich glory.

Crossing the line first was RAF-serviceman and Run Norwich debutant Michael Kallenberg (Cardiff AAC), who set a course record as he romped home in a time of 31:12 seconds – over one minute ahead of second placed Ash Harrell from City of Norwich AC (32:16) and third placed finisher Adrian Mussett (Colchester Harriers AC; 32.23).

In the women’s race, Cromer’s Emma Risbey (Winchester & District AC) was the first finisher (37.22), with Sarah Stradling (Colchester Harriers AC; 37:57) and Jo Andrews (Bungay Black Dog AC; 38:33) following her in.

The sunny conditions, while hot, were a lot more favourable than the high temperatures of last year’s race, and spurred on by large crowds and the enthusiastic support of volunteers, close to 5,000 runners crossed the finish line in front of the City Hall.

Many of those running were taking part in their first organised running race, and the range of emotions at the finish proved testament to this.

Over 800 runners donned the colours for the four official race charities – SERV Norfolk, Norwich MIND, the Big C and event organisers CSF, and early indications suggest that the amount raised for these local charities has well surpassed last year’s total of £75,000.

The event was founded in 2015, and is organised by CSF along with The Forum, Norwich City Council, Norwich City Football Club and Norwich BID, with the aim of raising funds for local charities, attracting visitors to the city centre and boosting participation in running.

The Foundation wishes to thank all our race supporters and race sponsors including Ashtons Legal, Computer Service Centre, Aston Shaw, 4Sports Group, Riverside Leisure Centre and main race sponsor Norwich BID.

If you feel your business can add to this incredible support, please contact [email protected].