My ‘Love’ Letter To Run Norwich

Ah, Run Norwich, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
Hmmm… Let’s say: it’s complicated.

The 10km race that winds around the Fine City – my birth place and home town. I’ve run them all. Since the inaugural run 10 years ago in 2015, including even a ‘virtual’ 10k with just one friend in 2020.

Since I’m a passionate runner and it’s literally on my doorstep, and we spend our day-to-day Enjoying Norwich and Norfolk, I’m obliged to enter every year. And now, as a stubborn ‘ever present’, I’m also determined to be the last person standing (3% of entrants in 2026 have entered every Run Norwich – that’s less than 300 of us).

I remember the original start in front of the City Hall and down Guildhall Hill – a total bottleneck – you had to walk for ages. And when the baggage areas were in the old fire station on Bethel Street (a location synonymous forever in my mind with this race).

BUT… I do have notes. First, Run Norwich – for me, is never fast and never easy. Despite it being a distance I run all the time, for some weird reason I always find this race inexplicably challenging. I’m not sure if it’s a weird mental barrier thing, or the fact that more times than not, it’s been super hot. In 2022 it was moved from July to October due to the forecast being so hot. It subsequently chucked it down – I quite enjoyed that actually. Refreshing change.
Obviously that evil, steady incline around half way through the course, and the fact that it finishes on a hill don’t help.

So what do I love about Run Norwich? What keeps me getting out there every year (aside from it being on my doorstep and being determined to run every one for time immemorial)?

The people. The crowds are so enthusiastic and turn out every year to create a carnival atmosphere that is truly heartening – all the placards for ‘Mum’ and banners for ‘Dad’. I love seeing them on the course and it really does keep me going. It’s especially lovely when someone calls out the name on your number, cheering you on personally. I rarely have a cheer squad these days as most of my family are involved in sport somewhere else on a Sunday, so it’s particularly nice.

The City. It’s a privilege to run our streets and when I remember to take it all in, it really is lovely to pass such iconic and historic landmarks as Norwich Cathedral and Dragon Hall. I do admit I worry a bit about the ancient Bishopsgate Bridge, mind – all those feet stomping across it…

The people again. Not the crowds, but the participants. There’s an overwhelming sense of comradery and I often get chatting to strangers while waiting in the start pens. Thousands of people sharing the experience – some for the first time, and some stalwarts like myself. It’s quite something to be a part of.

The end. As with any run or race, finishing is its own reward. However hot, however hard the hills, there’s no feeling like passing that finish line and being given your medal and a bottle of water by the amazing volunteers.

And finally, the memories. A decade is a long time. I have distinct memories associated with almost all the Run Norwich events. Of meeting friends before and after, of starting the race together before we settle into our natural paces, of heading into Norwich to run by various modes of transport and heading out again to go home afterwards. Of post-race snacks and celebrations.

Some people who ran that very first race with me back in 2015 are no longer here, and I always think of them when my feet start pounding those streets. Truthfully, their spirit keeps me going, knowing how much they would have liked to have participated.

Of course, my children have grown over that time. From the early days, when one was in a buggy and the whole family accompanied me to the race. I’ll never forget one Run Norwich where I passed them squabbling on the sideline at around 8km – very motivational… hmmmmm. Now, that same child is a teenager who plays football on Sunday mornings in September and so can’t come to watch the event any longer. Last year though, my eldest teen came along to cheer me on, and I got a little cheer squad again. How lovely.

So there you go. My ‘love’ letter to Run Norwich is a bit more like love/hate if I’m absolutely honest. But mostly love.

If you are running for the first time this year – firstly, good on you! Second, enjoy it. Soak up our beautiful city as you wind round its streets. You’re starting your own Run Norwich story – who knows where it might lead.

And if you’re thinking about entering next year – do it. More than a 10k, more than a run, it’s a unique experience that only Norwich can deliver. And of course, best of all, it’s all for a really good cause. Run Norwich has raised hundreds of thousands for race organisers the Community Sports Foundation and its chosen local charity partners.

Discover more about Run Norwich here and maybe I’ll see you on Sunday!