Norwich Run goes ahead virtually

With almost everything being affected by COVID-19 this year, the Run Norwich 10k was replaced by a virtual version of the race.

There was a total of 1,556 entries in this year’s event, with the runners encouraged to choose a route away from the traditional city centre course.

As a result, efforts came in from a huge variety of locations, including Kusadasi in Turkey and the Isle of Arran in Scotland.

The Norwich City Community Foundation, which hosts the Run Norwich 10k normally through the centre of the city, uses the money raised to provide support to people with disabilities so they can enjoy sport in a comfortable environment.

There is the added benefits of improving confidence and social skills, while providing respite care for families.

It also helps to improve the mental health and wellbeing of participants on the Run for Me programme through weekly coaching sessions and social time.

However, not even this could stop it being run virtually, with the Three Counties Running Club (TCRC) represented by five participants.

Two of them, Tamara Barnes and Steve Whitelam, were able to run personal best (PB) 10k times, while Sarah Johnson finished in 55:53.

Steve set a massive new PB of 56:15, while Tamara Barnes also set a new personal record of 1:03:05.

Other club runners were husband and wife team Tony (58:50) and Sarah Lamb (1:05:43).

Meanwhile, there is still time to enter the Three Counties Running Club Race, with a difference in the form of a Virtual GM10k.

Just like the Run Norwich 10k, the Virtual GM10k will be run virtually.

To sign up, go to www.Totalracetiming.co.uk and pay £10 to run or walk 10k anywhere on either Saturday or Sunday, November 7 or 8.

A poppy-themed medal will be sent out to those who take part in the event.