Story added: 16th July 2024

Sarah's Story

Run Norwich is a challenge for everyone taking part. For those who are running in an event of such magnitude for the first time, both the crowds and weather conditions can sometimes seem intimidating, whereas those taking to the streets of NR1 for the sixth or seventh time still get that wave of pre-race adrenaline in the minutes leading up to the start.

For 56-year-old Sarah, the word ‘challenge’ has a slightly different emphasis. Sarah is registered blind, and Run Norwich 2024 will be her third time participating in the event.

Sarah originally picked up running in the build up to her 50th birthday, when she was looking for a new challenge and came across an article about guided running on Facebook. After finding two local guide runners thanks to the England Athletics website, Sarah’s running journey began.

Despite the understandable apprehension, Sarah began to run regularly with the two local running guides, with both the social and physical aspect of the exercise having a noticeable positive impact on her confidence and mental health.

As Sarah’s love for running grew, so did the need for further guides to support her journey. Sarah joined local running club Bungay Black Dogs, after encouragement from both of her support runners.

Despite the understandable nerves that come with running in a larger group, Sarah soon became an established part of the ‘Black Dogs’ community. In short space of time multiple runners within the club offered to assist Sarah on her training sessions after she conducted several courses on how to be a guide runner.

Sarah completed her first Run Norwich in 2019 and then again three years later in 2022, after the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back at 2022’s famously wet and windy event, she said:

“I ran that year with Ludders (Simon Ludkin) who guided me through the pouring rain in our first big event together. He guided me round safely and to this day it is still one of the best experiences in my running journey.”

Sarah did have a place in Run Norwich last year, but sadly due to a bad fall in training was unable to take part. Dissatisfied with this setback, Sarah is back for Run Norwich 2024 – this time participating as a charity runner for the Community Sports Foundation for the first time.

Sarah was keen to share her story to rally support for her fundraising and allow others to appreciate the difference running makes to her life. As the daughter of a big Norwich City fan, Sarah is excited at the opportunity to fundraise for the Foundation, knowing the important work the charity does within the local community.

Speaking on her latest running achievement, she said:

“Just the other week I completed my first ever marathon, with the fantastic support of my guide runners. I hope to use this achievement as an inspiration for anyone who wants to get into running – I love my running, it brings such a lot to my life.”

Run Norwich is a special event – made even more special by the hundreds of charity runners who participate each year. Every year we are overwhelmed by the commitment and generosity of all our charity entrants, both those who run for the Foundation and for other charities and causes.

To support Sarah on her fundraising journey, head to her Just Giving page here.