Category: News

Holkham 10k 2023.

Well.  What can I say.  Probably the same as a lot of people on Saturday, ‘never again’!  But, hey, today is a different day, so I guess most of us are saying that we probably will do it again!

The event was very well organised with a great event village.  The RntS competitors rendezvousing at the club flag.  The organisers had a very jovial master of ceremonies who did seem in awe of how lucky we are to train in and around Holkham.  And she liked my shorts (cow pants as she said)!

Club attendance was very good, with 21 runners completing the event, and no less than 10 more supporting and volunteering (I think I’ve got that right, if not do tell me so I can get you added to the club champs leaderboard).  Unfortunately for Michelle, injury stopped her part way into the event, but she stayed to cheer on her friends.

So, to the actual race…. Officially the hardest and slowest 10k I’ve ever done!

The start was very well organised, and we set off bang on 10 o’clock.  A nice run along the front of the hall, round to the previous parkrun route (I can’t say original, as it isn’t) over the cattle grid and left on to the gravel track.  I’d forgotten how it felt running up this.  Loose under foot, congested and hot, it was sapping.  A slight reprieve as we reached the top where there was some shade, the downside of this meaning there was no breeze.

Left at the top, a slight downhill and then left again on to the South Avenue.  By this point there were already a lot of people walking.  Making the most of the downhill we jogged down towards the crossroads at the bottom.  It was great to see that the water station had been relocated there from the Great Barn, meaning we would see it 4km and 8km, rather than just once at 5km.  A quick drink, and cheers supplied by fellow RntS Hayley and Jenny, and then up to the Great Barn, now on the current parkrun route.  Right at the top, then down the concrete track towards the RntS Feed Station 2 location for Sunday.

By now it was a case of ‘run to that point’ then walk, ad infinitum!   At this point we caught up with David, who, despite being 20mtrs ahead of us, with a head wind, could hear Vikki chatting away!  We caught up at the left turn back onto the South Avenue and had a quick chat.  All confirming (along with another runner) that we’d never seen so many people walk at an event!

Towards the South Gate and then right into Longlands, then right again back on to the gravel track, loudly supported and cheered on by Kevin.

Downhill all the way to the right-hand turn, then the drink station was in sight again.  Evette dowsing me with a cup of water down my back, another drink and left to the Obelisk.  The last uphill section.

All downhill now and past the icehouse, to the final corner.  The finish line was in site, the orange carpet of legends!  Cheered on by the other RntS and family, we made our way onto the carpet, and across the line.

A great medal and a can of cold Erdinger.  Both very well received.

We watched the rest of the RntS come in, got a photo of possibly the sweatiest RntS gang ever assembled and then headed our own ways.

For Michelle, Vikki and myself, it was down to the beach for a much needed cool off in the sea.  Then back into the park to watch my Nephew do the Junior Outlaw, whilst stuffing my face with the biggest portion of cheesy chips I’ve seen.

Things I learnt from Saturday….

• If you check the weather forecast and seriously consider taking your hydration vest, do it (thank you for sharing Vikki).
• No matter what I say after a run, I’ll probably do it again.
• OSB put on superb events.
• RntS is a fantastic club.

Home for a rest, before an early start to spend Sunday with the RntS family again at the Outlaw half marathon Feed Station two.  Cheering on club members Chloe and Hayley as they became Outlaws.

Mark.

Official Results:
David C – 00:44:45
Kevin H – 00:46:03
Lorraine – 00:46:18 – 1^st in class
Roland – 00:53:52
Ana – 00:56:53
Gemma – 00:56:54
Bob L – 00:59:33
Will – 01:00:52
Jade – 01:04:17
Marie – 01:04:49
Chris L – 01:05:01
Cam – 01:08:55
Andy – 01:09:00
Debs – 01:17:41
Vikki – 01:23:35
Mark – 01:23:36
Catherine – 01:25:54
Shirley – 01:28:48
David S – 01:31:18
Gill – 01:34:48
Angie – 01:34:49

Supported by:
Chloe
Evette
Hayley
Jenny
Kerrie
Kevin B
Kevin S
Michelle
Tasha
Teresa A

Thanks to Paul for the Wroxham 5K report:

Six RntS made the midweek journey to Wroxham for a very popular 5K on the racing calendar.

Number collection was straight forward as options were given, either post collection on earlier dates or on the night.

We all took up our positions at the start amongst the 900 plus competitors.

This is a fast course but numbers at the start could change this if caught in the wrong area.

Helped by signs for predicted times and paces it didn’t affect any of our runners w hi returned good times.

The course was well marshalled with good support for the runners.

Official Results:
Ant – 18:56
Paul – 22:01
Will  – 23:14
Andrew – 23:28
Laura W – 26:16
Deb – 29:33

Thanks to Libby for supporting photos.

Official Results:
Ant – 18:56.0
Paul – 22:01.6
Will – 23:14.8
Andrew – 23:28.8
Laura – 26:16.4
Deb – 29:33.8

Thank you Hayley for this weekend’s report:

I haven’t run a 10k for a while and I was nervous about running this course as I had heard it was hilly and the weather was warmer than I’d like.

The start and finish is at Reedham village hall, I arrived far too early but calmed my nerves in the shade for a while. Once running I quickly settled into a steady pace and discovered the hills were flatter than I imagined and there was a lovely breeze across the fields. It is an undulating course but very pretty and takes in the villages of Reedham and Freethorpe. The roads are open to traffic but well marshalled and drivers were very considerate. There were two water stations and some friendly villagers offering support and sweets along the route. I forgot to spot the Humpty Dumpty Brewery on my way back to the village hall but I did notice a field of alpacas etc at Petitts, this made me smile all the way to the finish.

I enjoyed this run so much more than I anticipated and would highly recommend it. There were many age group prizes up for grabs and instead of a medal we were given a Humpty Dumpty Brewery glass at the finish. There was plenty of cake, bacon rolls and tea available at the finish.

I’m happy with my efforts in the heat and I’m left wondering if maybe I am a ‘summer runner’ after all.

Official Result:
1:02:19

Thanks to Andy for this week’s report:

A very hot day saw the return of the Alex Moore Relay. Hosted by the Norfolk Gazelles and based out of the Goat inn Skeyton (advantageous for much needed post-race hydration). On arrival the grounds were already a hive of activity with most of the Norfolk Running Clubs setting up their gazebos to provide some much-needed shade from the sun which was already intense at 08:30.

After posing for pre-race photos (many thanks to Pete Alder for all the pics from the day) we headed towards the start for the pre-race briefing where Alex Moore’s partner told us about some history on why the race was setup in his memory.

For those unfamiliar with the race format, it comprises of four legs being completed by teams of three.

First leg – Runner A completes one 2.2-mile lap.

Second Leg – Runner B completes two laps (4.4 mile)

Third Leg – Runner C completes two laps (4.4 miles)

Final Leg – All three runners run together on one final 2.2-mile lap.

The lap starts off with a gradual uphill which did offer a small amount of shade in places. This then turns into a slightly steeper hill and unfortunately at this point the shade disappears, and the sun was relentless. Luckily there’s a nice downhill section taking you back towards the Goat Inn and the start of the lap.

Some fantastic efforts were put in by everyone today. Special mentions to all the C runners who had to do the full three laps in one hit at the hottest part of the race.

As a club we had a fantastic turnout with 9 teams totalling 27 runners. We also had some top support from Pete Alder, Denise Leeder, Francesca Iaccorino and Mat Eyre which was very much appreciated.

Upon completion everyone stayed on for a BBQ/Picnic of sorts with the odd pint going down very well.

I can’t recommend this event enough for next year. The relay type event allows for some top-quality racing but also a great social event as well.

The Norfolk Gazelles have just opened entries for their Big Stampede at the Showground on the 1^st of October which is also a great event (Teams of 4 each running a 5km) and hopefully a bit cooler.

I’m now off to continue re-hydrating.

Speedy Rnts – 1:33:16

• David Coslett
• Shane Hunt
• Ant Cude

Smiles for Miles – 1:39:59

• Lorraine Hunt
• Kevin Heyhoe
• Stuart Gollands

RSP no V – 1:42:13

• Paul Woodhouse
• Rob Jackman
• David Ralph

Better Lace Than Never – 1:42:26

• Will Ayley-Dodd
• Ana Hills
• Tara Betts

Runners-not-next-the-Sea – 1:44:15

• Evette Price
• Kevin Short
• Liam Dawson

Run Now Wine later – 1:46:49

• Kirsty Daniels
• Paula Smith
• Alex Wray

Team 69 – 1:50:07

• Andy Payne
• Sarah-Jane Smith
• Bob Humphries

RntS Runts – 02:11:08

• Mark Riseborough
• Vikki Powles
• Rachel Dawson

Run For Cake – 02:14:40

• Kerrie Coslett
• Hayley Eyre
• Lucy MccAllum

All photos taken by Pete can be found here.

Thanks to Malcolm for this week’s report:

‘Sunday 4th June 2023 at 11:00 am around the perimeter of the RAF Marham (home of the F-35 Lightning a 5^th Generation, multi-role, stealth fighter). 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the most famous single air raid of World War Two, “Operation Chastise”, better known as the Dambusters Raid.

Arrived in plenty of time to pick up my number met with the other RntS runners. The start and finish is just outside the airfield perimeter a short walk from the car park / registration area. From the start the 10k course follows an anti-clockwise circuit of the RAF Marham airfield perimeter newly paved road, which is traffic free, clear views across the base. Apart from a gentle ascent/descent soon after the start it is flat course. The last mile is sheltered by the base buildings. One water station at 5K, no spectators the base is an active RAF station. It was 14 degrees at the start of the race and a strong breeze was blowing across the open landscape.

Prizes for first three men and women only all other runners had a goodie bag (usual packets of crisps, chocolate, a large Dambusters medal and a certificate of appreciation). Plenty of fruit (apples, bananas, oranges and slices of melon) and bottles of water.

All monies raised go to the RAF Central Fund Charity.

Malcolm Senior

Well Done to Runners-next-the-Sea’

Official Results:
Malcolm – 51:01
Will – 51:44
Michelle – 1:00:11
Ceridwen – 1:11:16

‘Hi all.

Race reporter reporting for duty! Here we go…

The 7th race in the Sportlink Grand Prix took a not so unlucky 13 happy runners to Dereham for the 10 mile road race. Well supported by eight fellow runners and family, plus Harley for some woofs along the way.

Starting and finishing at Neatherd High School, the run takes you away from the town centre and out onto some beautiful back roads in the countryside. The heading out seems flat but as the last 2-3 miles approach there is definitely an uphill as well as some bigger hills thrown in on the loop round!

Was perfect running weather today as the sun only just made an appearance towards the end, was the right temperature with very little wind. A beautiful day for a run 😊

Thank you to all those to popped up around the course and those who waited at the finish line (Marie Pacey, Mark Riseborough, Hayley Eyre, Mrs. Senior, Sarah Raven, Pete Alder, Denise Leader, Kerrie Coslett & Harley). Seeing you all kept our spirits up as well as the great support (& cake) from the hosts,  Dereham Runners AC.

Fantastic performances today with seven PB’s and three podium spots, well done 👏’

Kirsty L

Official chip times:
David Coslett –  1:05:54
Shane Hunt – 1:12:08 – PB
Lorraine Hunt – 1:12:41 – PB – 3rd in age category
Cam Raven – 1:14:27 – PB
Gordana Hills – 1:16:01 – PB – 3rd in age category
Malcolm Senior – 1:21:13 – 3rd in age category
Gemma Pickering – 1:23:44 – PB
Bob Lyddon – 1:25:36 – PB
Rachel Dawson – 1:25:39
Andy Payne – 1:33:57
Kirsty Lack – 1:39:42
Vikki Powles – 1:40:13 – PB
Michelle Finnegan – 1:43:48 – PB

Group photos from Kerrie.

Aylsham 10k
‘A magnificent 7 RntS made their way to Aylsham this morning to take part in the 10k run.

After parking we made our way to the registration and collected our numbers which  was very straight forward as normal.

Waiting outside for the race briefing it was easy for the all the RntS to congregate ( well after a bit of vigorous waving for Malcolm to rejoin his wife).

This also gave us a chance to welcome Teresa Futter and wish her well with her first run for the club.

Once the briefing had taken place it was a short walk to the start,.

This was fairly congested but after about 250m downhill the route turned left and headed out on to country lanes. At this point there was a nice incline and we all started to have more space.

The course was a lollipop shape heading out for about 2k before running a loop,  then returning along the first 2k with a niggling uphill finish.

As indicated earlier these were all country lanes and closed to traffic.

The marshals as at most races were very supportive and gave plenty of encouragement.

A big well done to Teresa for her first club run, before hand she said she would love to get under 55. Good result.

Note for Alex make sure laces are tied tightly or get Cat to do it.

Still it let me get a head of him whist tying them back up on the side of the road.  Not sure if that was the 27 sec difference!’

Paul

Official Results:
Ant – 39.40
Cam – 46.53
Paul – 49.26
Alex – 49.53
Malcolm – 51.12
Will –  52.30
Teresa F – 54.30

Dukeries 30
‘On Saturday 6th May I completed Dukeries 30, a 30-mile trail race in Sherwood Forest and its surroundings. There was also an option for runners to take on Dukeries 40 and both races started at the same time with a total of 170 runners. The start itself was touching. Steve Shanks, who died soon after completing the 2023 London Marathon, had won Dukeries 40 last year and was known to many of the runners in these events so we were asked by the race director to pay a tribute to Steve with a big applause before the race officially started. It was a nice thought.

I like to discover new places while doing races. In fact that’s usually how I select some of my races. I’d never been to Sherwood Forest before so decided Dukeries 30 would be a nice trail event to take part in. I was not wrong. The route was beautiful and passed through ancient woodland carpeted with of bluebells, an archaeological park with caves and a gorge (in Creswell Crags), farmland, rivers and tree-lined avenues.

As usual I used Tailwind as my main hydration during the race and made good use of the well-stocked aid stations. A few crisps, some salted peanuts, watermelon and banana were my choices at each checkpoint. I also consumed a few caffeine chews and gels.

I had decided to use a pacing strategy of 11-12 mins per mile throughout the race. I managed this to some extent though quite a few of the miles were slower. Somehow it all evened out and the speed I managed to make in the downhill sections of the race compensated for some of the slower miles. The last 3 miles had started to feel never ending but I had renewed energy when I had a surprise “cheering squad” (two friends) during this latter stage of the race! I picked up my pace knowing that I was now heading to the finish line and that my husband, Tim, and my two friends would be there to cheer. I finished in 06:44:11 . I was, and still am, well-chuffed with this result as it was well under the 7-hour target I had set myself.

It was a very well-organised race, with helpful and friendly volunteers. I would definitely consider doing this race again.’

Nur

Official Result:
6:44:11

Two Castles Narrative Marathon
‘On Sunday 7th May, Kerrie, Lucy and I took part in the Two Castles Narrative Marathon.  Starting and finishing in Belchamp St. Paul we followed a set of very vague instructions to get us around the course and to see the two castles!  Working well as a team to decipher if this truly was the correct hedge gap or path we had a great day together and kept each others spirits up.

The thought of going past an open pub was too much temptation to resist and we had a quick refreshment stop before heading into the next check point which was only just around the corner 🤣

One of the most challenging runs I had ever done; it’s very hard to get a good running momentum going when you’re trying to read instructions, look for markers points and where your feet are going all at the same time!  But also very rewarding and done with great company.

They had had a lot more rain than us which made the course (mostly fields) very sticky and squelchy.  I think we were wearing most of the field at one point! ‘

Kirsty L

This week’s report is from Catherine:

‘About 10 weeks ago, I was convinced to sign up and enter my first ever 10km run – the GEAR 10k. I was promised a relatively flat course and amazing support around the race, and it certainly did not disappoint!

18 RntS runners, including myself, descended on the Tuesday Market Place, as the sun was starting to appear. It was great to catch up with everyone, and get out all of my nerves early on. The atmosphere was fantastic as we moved to our start areas. I met up with Angie, who very kindly offered to run with me, as well as Shirley and Denise – it was lovely to see so many friendly faces around me.

We started off with lots of support and cheers, which continued for the majority of the course. It was a lovely course for a first timer, with plenty of flat areas and different areas to run through. I started off with a surge of adrenaline for the first kilometre or two, before Angie told me to steady my pace, as I still had a way to go! The support continued as we ran the course, with lots of cheers, cowbells and high fives en route.

The race was very well organised, with lots of marshals and clear directions throughout, as well as a much welcomed water station at the halfway mark. I really enjoyed running through the Walks and next to the river on the way back, as well as the final stretch along King Street! It was also lovely to see lots of familiar faces from the club, who had come out to support all of us.

Overall, I had such an amazing time – I think the majority of photos that I have seen of me show a huge smile on my face! Thank you to everyone who has supported me, but a huge thank you to Angie – couldn’t have done it without you! 🙂’

Official Results:
Jimmy – 37:53
Kyle – 39:24
Tara – 43:25
Rob – 45:17
Will – 50:33
Roland – 51:07
Seb – 55:39
Chris – 55:39
Vikki – 55:42
Marie – 57:02
Michelle – 58:26
Mark – 1:03:02
Jenny – 1:03:48
Shirley – 1:07:51
Denise – 1:13:59
Catherine – 1:14:26
Angie – 1:14:57
Gill – 1:18:23