Story added: 11th March 2015

New city centre 10k set for August 30

This August, the Community Sports Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a new 10-kilometre road race in the heart of Norwich city centre.

Run Norwich will see up to 5000 runners take to the city’s streets for an event that aims to increase sports participation while boosting local business and tourism.

Its proposed route includes some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral, Carrow Road and the attractive Dragon Hall on King Street.

The event will take place on Sunday, August 30 and it is hoped that the location and accessible race distance will make it an attractive proposition for both regular and first time runners.

The Foundation and Norwich City Football Club have brought the event to life in partnership with several major Norfolk organisations, including: The Norwich Business Improvement District, Visit Norfolk, The Forum, Norwich City Council, and Active Norfolk.

In addition to providing a great day out for the city, Run Norwich’s wider objectives include the promotion of Norwich and Norfolk as a healthy, accessible and vibrant place to live, while also supporting local causes – three of whom will soon be named as official race charities along with the Community Sports Foundation.

Ian Thornton, CSF Director, spoke of the impact to the community and local causes: “One of our key aims as a football club and as a Foundation is to work with and support other local charities; we’re excited that through Run Norwich, we will be able to do just that.

“It’s been a colossal effort to bring this race to fruition and we’re so grateful to everyone who has had some input along the way.

Pete Waters, Brand Manager for Visit Norfolk added: ‘This event will bring clear economic benefit to the city and to local charities.”

“Not only can we encourage Norfolk to get active, but with the city’s fabulous tourism offering, there’s no reason why Run Norwich can’t be a showpiece to attract sports-minded visitors and their families for many years to come.”

While the race is expected to attract runners who compete regularly, Run Norwich’s participation objectives mean that the day will be a welcoming environment for those who are looking to enter a running event for the first time, as Ben Jones, Director of Active Norfolk explained: “The City’s most prominent historical landmarks will provide a beautiful backdrop to this race, which will appeal to experienced and first-time 10K runners alike.

“Norwich is well placed to host such a high-calibre run, and we encourage anyone who’s ever thought about doing a 10K to give it a go.”

Demand for places, which are capped at 5000 this year, is expected to be high.

Prospective entrants can register their interest in the race at www.runnorwich.org in order to be notified as soon as the entry process is open.

If you are a local business with a question about Run Norwich, or wish to support the event in any way, please email [email protected].