On 12–13 September, 60 teams of 17 runners will tackle the annual Round Norfolk Relay, completing approximately 200 miles around the county border. It's no easy task: stages vary between five and nineteen miles of varying difficulty.
The event attracts some of Norfolk’s most serious runners, who run, some through the night, along roads, footpaths, trails and beaches to pass the baton to the next member of their team. The event has supported East Anglian Air Ambulance since 2022, raising money to provide lifesaving care to people in our region who may be experiencing some of the worst moments of their lives, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the incredible efforts of the runners and event organisers.
“I think the work of East Anglian Air Ambulance is something all of our participants can appreciate – and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, possibly in more remote parts of the region,” explains James Nice, Round Norfolk Relay secretary and referee. “If we ever needed help out there, it could well be East Anglian Air Ambulance who come to our aid.”
Starting and finishing at Lynnsport in King’s Lynn, the relay is divided into 17 unequal sections. It initially follows the coast path as far as Cromer, passing through varied terrain and scenery, before continuing on to Great Yarmouth and through the Waveney Valley and Breckland. Since the first relay in 1987 – 39 years ago – it’s grown in popularity, and the 60 team spots are taken very quickly each year.
“Everyone has different reasons for wanting to take part,” James says. “From elite clubs to participation teams who simply enjoy a challenge, the RNR really is a unique endurance team running event.”
James cites stage five – the section between Cley and Cromer – as one of the toughest. It takes in several miles of loose shingle, depending on the tide, as well as some steep gradients, including Beeston Bump at Sheringham.
Last year, that difficult section was been undertaken by Juliette Watkinson, a paramedic and keen ultra-runner, who established a new course record while running for Wymondham AC on Saturday, and still had enough energy to turn out for the East Anglian Air Ambulance team as dawn broke on Sunday.
“I ran the 11-mile leg five – the challenging section with stones and Beeston Bump – for my club team. I then went home, ate, slept and then ran the 7-mile leg 14 with East Anglian Air Ambulance. I wasn’t feeling 100% for the first run but I got my head down and ended up having a great run and setting a course record.”
Juliette will again be running twice in this year’s relay and is full of enthusiasm for the annual event.
“Round Norfolk Relay is the best event in the running calendar!” she adds. “Not only is the atmosphere electric, but it supports a fantastic charity that is close to everyone’s hearts. A member of our athletics club recently passed away. He was attended by the air ambulance, who gave him the best possible chance, so this year’s race will be even more poignant. I’ll be thinking of him when I’m running.”
Last year, the event raised £6,000 in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance, and James says they’re aiming to match that again this year. A good deal of this has already been raised, following a suggested donation of £50 when each team registered.
James adds, “The Round Norfolk Relay is much more than just a running race and requires careful planning, navigation and support. At 200 miles in 24 hours, it’s not an event for teams lacking a spirit of adventure, but the sense of achievement after crossing the finish line on Sunday is second to none!”
Thank you and good luck to all the teams taking part in this year’s Round Norfolk Relay!
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