Story added: 15th May 2023

2023 Coastal Challenge walkers raise £30,000!

On Saturday 13th of May over 200 Coastal Challenge walkers gathered on the blustery north-Norfolk coast, gearing up to tackle their chosen distance of six miles, half-marathon, marathon, or double marathon!

Sporting bright yellow ‘Challenge Series’ t-shirts and supported by our team of 30 fluorescently dressed volunteer marshals, the walkers enjoyed landscapes that included salt marshes, sand dunes and stunning villages.

The event, sponsored by Coastal Construction and Norfolk Hire, kicked off at 9 am at a wildly windy Old Hunstanton lighthouse, where walkers faced a 26.2-mile expedition ahead.

The following groups set off from Holme, Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe respectively, with the latter group including a number of participants from Foundation programmes such as Realising Potential and Duncan’s Club.

Saturday concluded at Wells Town FC as tired legs and weary eyes were greeted by the smiles and hugs of family, friends and loved ones, but marked a mere pit-stop for the double marathon walkers who would continue through the night.

The route featured several stops along the way, including, Thornham, Brancaster Staithe, Burnham Overy Staithe, Wells, Morston Quay, Cley, Weybourne, and Sheringham, Cromer and ultimately Mundesley where the 52-mile walkers would finish!

The incredible sum of £30,000 raised will be utilised to help drive inclusion for people with disabilities through support teams provided by the Foundation.

Emma Fletcher-Dungay, the Foundation’s Senior Fundraising & Events Manager, said:

“A massive thank you to all the walkers who took part over the two days and across the four respective distances. The total fundraising amount raised is huge – you truly are helping us change lives in Norfolk!”

She added:

“The atmosphere from the walkers, marshals and volunteers was clearly one of enjoyment and achievement.”

Thanks:

The Foundation wishes to thank the following for kindly supporting the Challenge:

• Norfolk Hire – Team sponsor and vehicle support.
• Coastal Construction – Challenge Event sponsors.
• Swash Nosh for providing refreshments, sandwiches, and drinks for all our walkers and volunteers.
• Café2U for supplying hot drinks in the early hours of Sunday morning.
• Link Radio for discounted radio hire.
• Up and Running treatments for their physio support.
• Mundesley Parish Council for allowing the use of Gold Park and Memorial Gardens
• Wells Town Football Club for hosting our finish line.
• Holkham Estate for providing their estate as a new feature of the walk.
• …and finally, to our amazing volunteer marshals, and support walkers, with an extra thanks to walkers from previous events who returned as support marshals this year!