Story added: 9th August 2017
Glorious blue skies and crowd-filled streets formed the majestic backdrop to Sunday’s Run Norwich, as a record turnout of runners ran the Community Sports Foundation (CSF)’s annual city centre 10k race.
A sellout 6,000 entrants had entered the race, back in the city for a third consecutive year.
The route, unchanged from the previous year, took the runners on a scenic 10-kilometre tour through the heart of the city centre, passing many of the city’s landmarks including Norwich Cathedral and Norwich City Football Club.
It was Norwich City FC legend Grant Holt who had the responsibility of pressing the starter horn and getting the enthusiastic field of runners underway, which included fellow ex-Canaries Dean Ashton and Iwan Roberts.
At the front, and in the absence of two-time champions Nick Earl and Tracy Barlow, the stage was set for two race debutants to get their first taste of Run Norwich glory.
Crossing the line first was RAF-serviceman and Run Norwich debutant Michael Kallenberg (Cardiff AAC), who set a course record as he romped home in a time of 31:12 seconds – over one minute ahead of second placed Ash Harrell from City of Norwich AC (32:16) and third placed finisher Adrian Mussett (Colchester Harriers AC; 32.23).
In the women’s race, Cromer’s Emma Risbey (Winchester & District AC) was the first finisher (37.22), with Sarah Stradling (Colchester Harriers AC; 37:57) and Jo Andrews (Bungay Black Dog AC; 38:33) following her in.
The sunny conditions, while hot, were a lot more favourable than the high temperatures of last year’s race, and spurred on by large crowds and the enthusiastic support of volunteers, close to 5,000 runners crossed the finish line in front of the City Hall.
Many of those running were taking part in their first organised running race, and the range of emotions at the finish proved testament to this.
Over 800 runners donned the colours for the four official race charities – SERV Norfolk, Norwich MIND, the Big C and event organisers CSF, and early indications suggest that the amount raised for these local charities has well surpassed last year’s total of £75,000.
The event was founded in 2015, and is organised by CSF along with The Forum, Norwich City Council, Norwich City Football Club and Norwich BID, with the aim of raising funds for local charities, attracting visitors to the city centre and boosting participation in running.
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 [email protected].
28th January 2022
Support the official race charity #TeamCSF
26th May 2021
Statement on the 2021 race from organisers, the Community Sports Foundation
16th March 2021
Dudley Garner, the programme's coach, answers some of those frequently asked questions...
16th March 2021
Julian is a member of our Run for Me programme that supports people with their mental health through running. Here is how Run for Me helped him, in his own words:
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from the Foundation
