The race begins at the Norfolk Show ground which allows for a good field of runners and a good area for supporters to cheer from. The general feel to the race is that of a big city race but strangely is quite a long way from the city itself. Â At the start line there will be a good mix of runners, charity runners, fancy dress etc but it is weighted towards the more serious runners hunting down a PB. As the race starts in a well organised manner you set off out into the countryside on your first lap through a number of local towns and villages all of which are pleasing on the eye and each one containing a very different set of vocal supporters. The great thing about the support being a little sporadic is the boost you get after each cheer point especially when you know they are coming whilst running the second lap. There is one reasonably testing hill on the Easton College campus but other than that the course is flat and as the more serious runners will tell you that this is an easy half marathon! You finish the course back in the Norfolk show ground and as a charity runner you will receive a good round of applause from a large crowd that has grown since the start of the race.
Aim for £700, this is a good sized race and is growing as a charity event. Make sure you plan your fundraising well in advance to give you the best chance of handing over a nice big check to your charity of choice. Check out the run for charity fundraising A to Z for some great ideas to help you reach your target.
The support on the day is surprisingly very good considering you do not go through the city centre. There is a reasonable charity presence and the start and finish see a great turn out of cheering local supporters.
A fast half marathon with PB potential, you have a cut off point of 90 minutes for the first lap so you need to make sure you use a half marathon training plan and you can meet the time requirement. It would be a real shame if you were cut off after raising money for a charity.
The race organisers are very efficient, everything will be on time and as you would expect in regards to race packs etc. The website is well laid out and has plenty of information about the race and the logistics of getting to and from the start/finish. The only trick that has been missed is entertainment for any travelling supporters which would provide the family with a fun day out as well as the runners. The medal and goody bags are really good, always nice when race organisers try something a little different.
2 out of 5 stars
To choose a charity to support in this event click here or if you already have a charity in mind click here
