You blew us away, Norwich!

It simply wouldn’t be Run Norwich without a weather scare to throw a spanner in the works, but boy did you all make this a special day!

On Saturday afternoon before race day, an amber warning for “strong gusts” of wind was placed across large parts of England, but we didn’t let that wind us up!

Despite the wind warnings and gruelling gusts, a record 6761 of you came and conquered the streets of our beautiful city for Run Norwich 2023, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements.

A stripped-back Race Village (as a result of the weather) once again welcomed swells of early-rising runners upon its usual 8am opening time. Many of our stands, food vendors and partners migrated to the shelter of The Forum, which was subsequently bursting with buzz and nerves.

Runners then rallied into their pens with great efficiency in anticipation of the 9:30am horn, which was sounded by none other that Norwich City FC club captain, Grant Hanley – this year’s official race starter.

No more than 31 minutes and 30 seconds later 2019 and 2022 winner Logan Smith (City of Norwich Athletic Club) completed his hat-trick in unprecedented fashion, taking the lead from eventual runner-up Norman Shreeve on the final corner!

Just a few minutes later, fellow CONAC runner Mabel Beckett claimed first place in the women’s category, just nine seconds ahead of last year’s winner Anya Culling.

But as we all know – this is when the fun really begins!

What followed was a procession of fancy dress, first-time runners and fundraising superstars, including 450 running for our own Community Sports Foundation.

Rallied on by our incredible partners and cheer stations, runners conquered the Coder Climb (Rose Lane), passed the cathedral and rounded the castle on their way to completing the 10,000-metre course in blustery conditions.

The finish line welcomed hugs, tears and cheers… and a few wobbly legs, but the smiles and joy displayed by our running superstars epitomised what Run Norwich is all about.

While many gravitated toward our traditional post-race hub in Chapelfield Gardens to recharge with free goodies courtesy of Woodforde’s Brewery and Kettle Foods, the trophy presentation took place on the steps of City Hall.

Our banners and flags fought the gusts of wind to stay up for the duration of the presentation to the three fastest male and female finishers, as everybody else enjoyed their own celebration of personal achievements.

Race podiums:

Male
1. Logan Smith 31:30
2. Norman Shreeve 31:31
3. Luke Alden 31:45

Female
1. Mabel Beckett 35:36
2. Anya Culling 35:45
3. Leanne Finch 36:50

Thank you

Thank you to all of our 550 volunteers who made the day run so smoothy – we could not have done it without you!

Another huge thank you must go to our race partners, whose sponsorship and race day support is invaluable to the Foundation and more importantly, the runners who derive so much energy from your fantastic cheer stations.

Thank you to:

Anglian Home Improvements

JOMA, Norwich BID, Acora One, Lovell, Lotus Cars, Gasway, Upp, Ashtons Legal

Influence, Hugh J Boswell, MacInnes, Regency, Recover Physio, Green Jellyfish, Woodforde’s Brewery

Ian Thornton OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Sports Foundation said:

“Once again, the city of Norwich came out in force for another incredible race.

“I’m so proud of everyone here at the Foundation, and of course our army of incredible volunteers, for putting on such a first-class event for so many people.

“Saturday’s Yellow Weather Warning and strong winds meant we couldn’t erect marquees, gazebos or branding and therefore a lot of last minute changes to plans we’ve had in place for months. But I’m so proud of how everyone reacted to these challenges.

“I’d like to thank all our partners, especially main sponsors Anglian Home Improvements, for their understanding in regards to this.”

Rachael Munby, Group Marketing Director at Anglian Home Improvements, comments:

“An important part of what we do here at Anglian Home Improvements is supporting and making a positive impact on the local community, which is why we were delighted to be headline sponsors of Run Norwich.

“With our commitment to supporting charitable organisations that help to boost the community’s health and wellbeing, the sponsorship seemed like a perfect fit for us as all proceeds raised are going towards the Community Sports Foundation and its vital charity work – which is something that is incredibly important to us.

“The event was a huge success, and it was great to see so many people come together and be a part of what is now a key highlight in the Norwich calendar. We can’t wait to do it again next year!”