Story added: 19th June 2024

Race Against the Sun 2024 Recap

Saturday 15th June saw the first edition of a brand-new Foundation fundraising event, one that would push participants like never before.

The concept of Race Against the Sun was simple – beginning at sunrise, the challenge was to trek from Cromer to Hunstanton before the sun set.

At 4am, as the sun broke above the North Norfolk coastline, our participants gathered at a Runton Road in Cromer to begin their epic journey.

The 45-mile route took our walkers across a variety of terrains that predominantly followed the scenic coastal path. The twisty-turvy nature of the route also took the fundraisers inland, towards picturesque seaside villages, as well as outwards, through the infamous shingle and dunes of the North Norfolk beaches.

Our walkers were kept well hydrated and energised en route, with nine check points strategically placed throughout the course. Using local village halls as a means for a quick cup of tea or to use the facilities, everyone made the most of the much-needed respite, before continuing their race against the elements.

In typical British fashion, our walkers were treated to both rain and shine, with the overcast start to the day getting ominously darker as the morning progressed. The heavens opened as they passed through Burnham Ovary, although the skies soon cleared making way for glorious summer sunshine as they finish line came into view.

As the evening began to draw close, the first of our walkers arrived in Hunstanton, to be greeted with a chorus of awe-struck clapping – they’d beaten the sun by a staggering three and a half hours.

With the sun now beginning to sink and the skies darken, the race was truly on for our remaining walkers. Some crossed the finish line with plenty of time to spare, whilst our final walkers were the epitome of efficiency crossing the finish line an impressive 90 seconds before the official sunset! All participants successfully completed the challenge and ascended the final uphill stretch towards Hunstanton’s lighthouse, our finish line, with immense relief and pride.

Greeted by family and friends, medals were awarded and there were smiles all round on Hunstanton’s clifftop.

With the very first Race Against the Sun now over, our participants made the most of the glorious sunset, sitting down to enjoy a well-earned cold drink and pizza.

Everyone at the Community Sports Foundation would like to express their congratulations and thanks to 2024’s participants.  Their outstanding fundraising efforts have raised an impressive £16,000 (and counting) which will help the Foundation to continue to support disadvantaged people across Norfolk.

We also wish to thank all our volunteers at Saturday’s event, without whom events like Race Against the Sun simply wouldn’t be possible.

Special thanks also need to be offered to fundraising event sponsors Coastal Construction and Norfolk Hire, for their continued support for our events.

Race Against the Sun required the help of many local businesses and organisations in order to run smoothly so our thank you’s must also be extended to:

• Link Radio – for keeping their communications open as our challengers navigated the Norfolk coastline.
• Swash Nosh – for providing our challengers with a delicious lunch and snacks at the allocated pitstops.
• Up and Running Treatments – for providing our walkers with treatment and massages as the day’s walking began to take its toll.
• Duration – for the beers and other refreshments at the finish line.
• East Coast Pizza Company – for the pizzas at the finish line.
• Wells Town Football Club – for providing our walkers with the perfect place to stop and enjoy their lunch mid-challenge.
• North Norfolk District Council and The Borough of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk – for their support of our event both on the day and during the organisation.

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