Community
Thousands run in second Run Norwich 10k THE NORWICH CITY COMMUNITY SPORTS FOUNDATION’S (CSF) ‘RUN NORWICH’ EVENT MADE A TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO NORWICH ON SUNDAY, WITH THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS TAKING TO THE CITY CENTRE STREETS FOR THE 10-KILOMETRE ROAD RACE. Hot temperatures and strong winds did their best to make things difficult for the field, but spurred on by enthusiastic support from thousands of spectators, 4,237 runners finished the race. The event, sponsored this year by Norwich Business Improvement District, was founded in 2015 with the aim of raising funds for local charities, attracting visitors to the city centre and boosting participation in running.
The race marked a happy return for the male and female defending champions, both returning to lift silverware for the second time. City of Norwich Athletic Club’s Nick Earl, born in the city but now living in Australia, was first over the line in 32:23 - celebrating once again with his iconic finishing leap – a comfortable 17 seconds ahead of second placed Piers Arnold (CONAC). The challenging conditions did little to deter first-placed female finisher Tracy Barlow (Thames Valley Harriers), whose time of 35:19 was close to 30 seconds quicker than her winning time last year. Over £70,000 was raised for the Community Sports Foundation and chosen race charities Norfolk Accident Rescue Service, Age UK Norwich and Nelson’s Journey in 2015, and the total is expected to surpass that this year. Among those lending their support for the Foundation’s run were representatives from Norwich City
Football Club including goalkeeper John Ruddy, defender Ryan Bennett, Club Chairman Ed Balls and board members Thomas Smith and Michael Wynn-Jones. City joint majority shareholder and local icon Delia Smith was given the honour of starting the race. The route took competitors past a number of city centre landmarks including The Forum, the Castle and Carrow Road – and new this year, the chance to run through the historic Cathedral Close. CSF Director Ian Thornton was delighted with the run, which he called ‘a significant event’ for the city. “The tweaks to the route and the revised starting structure, allowed an extra thousand runners to enjoy the race, and the addition of the Cathedral Close to the route was stunning.” “Emotions were high on the finish
line. Triumph, tears, you name it – right from the first place to the very last. You could see how much it meant to everyone.” He praised the support and hard work of race partners, sponsors and volunteers: “There are so many individuals and organisations we are indebted to – the 300 volunteers who supported on the day, our race technical team and of course, our partner organisations The Forum, Visit Norfolk, Norwich BID, Norwich City Council and Norwich City Football Club.” 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 runnorwichinfo@canaries.co.uk.
W: communitysportsfoundation.org.uk | E: info@communitysportsfoundation.org.uk | T: 01603 761122 | T: @NorwichCityCSF F: facebook.com/communitysportsfoundation | I: @NorwichCityCSF | Registered charity 1088239 Community Sports Foundation, Norwich City FC, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1JE
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