Story added: 28th July 2015

The pair will Run Norwich on 30 August for CSF

There is now three days left to register your entry in Community Sports Foundation’s (CSF) inaugural Run Norwich 10k race taking place through Norwich City centre on Sunday, August 30.

The official charity partner of Norwich City appear set to host the biggest running event of its kind in the region, with over 3,500 runners having already signed up.

They include Laura Ruddy – wife of City goalkeeper John Ruddy – and Canaries icon Paul McVeigh, who will both be running on behalf of CSF to support the charity’s work with disabled and disadvantaged people in the local community.

Alongside raising funds for race-organisers CSF’s programmes, three other local causes have been chosen to benefit from the event: Norfolk Accident Rescue Service, Age UK Norwich, and Nelson’s Journey.

With entries for Run Norwich closing at midnight on Friday, July 31, CSF director Ian Thornton said: “As a football club we are committed to supporting charities, and the response from runners who wish to support not just our charity but the three other official race causes has been fantastic.

“The vision behind launching Run Norwich, besides increasing participation in sport and attracting visitors to the city, was to give these worthy causes funds and exposure. We’re grateful to all our race sponsors and partners for their invaluable support, and I’m delighted Paul and Laura have chosen to support CSF.”

Laura, who completed her maiden Virgin London Marathon in April, explained: “John does a lot of work with the Foundation through the Club, particularly supporting their Street Life Soccer programme, but it’s great to get directly involved myself.

“It’s fantastic that we’ll get to experience a big run in our own city centre. I’m racing alongside Gary Hooper’s partner, Lucy, and it’s great to hear so many first-time runners of all ages have signed up to the race.”

The pair will be joined by TV presenter Jake Humphrey, in addition to McVeigh who represented the Canaries between 2000 and 2007 before returning for a one-year spell in 2009.

Explaining his decision to run for CSF, the former Northern Ireland international said: “The Foundation are an excellent charity and I remember from my playing days the positive impact they have in the local community.

“It’s going to be a massive event for the city of Norwich and the organisers have chosen a really exciting route. I’m glad to see it includes a lap around Carrow Road as it will be nice to be back in familiar surroundings.

“I like to think I’ve kept myself in good shape from my playing days; I’ve done a few half-marathons, marathons and 5Ks. I’ve never done a 10k, but am tentatively targeting a sub-45 minute finish.”

Runners can choose to fundraise via main sponsors BT MyDonate’s fundraising platform, or by purchasing an official charity race t-shirt – with all proceeds going directly to the charities.

Entries can be made online by visiting www.runnorwich.org, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis in accordance with the event’s race rules.

With a route featuring some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, including Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral and Carrow Road, it’s an event not to miss out on!

Alongside the CSF and Norwich City, the race has been brought to life with the support of numerous major Norwich groups, ranging from Norwich City Council and Active Norfolk to Norwich Business Improvement District and Visit Norfolk.