News

Posted on

Revesby Running Festival 10k

Thursday evening I decided to enter this event and really pleased I choose to. Less than an hour and a half from Fakenham it was to run somewhere other than the usual local runs but also as it was a trail run to help prep for the RNR.

The event was held on Revesby Estate in Lincolnshire with various distances available to run.

There was a 10 stage challenge the estate where runners try to run a 5k lap with each stage decreasing in time. ( this is also a team option) Then there was a half marathon, a 10k tab, a 5k and the 10k which I opted for.

This was a very well organised event with registration efficient and briefings simple and to the point.

The run itself started pretty much in the centre of the park and followed a deer fence before turning right across the centre of the deer field.

We then joined a track which took us down to the main rd where we again turned right and ran along an overgrown path.

After about 400m we re entered the park and  followed a recently cut path across another grass field.

Leaving the field at around 11/2K we ran along a farm track up to and around the reservoir. At the end of this the route carried along the edge of fields before leaving the park at around 7k. This then crossed a small road and done a triangle before joining the road for about 500m.

Re entering the park along a track before turning through a small woodland path and across a grass field and then turning once again to follow the deer fence back down to the finish line.

A tough but friendly and enjoyable race.

Would I do it again, YES

Chip Time 49.38

Posted on

Outlaw Holkham Half

Many thanks to Andrew Tucket who took part in the Outlaw Holkham Half as part of a relay team for sending us his event report:

Taking part in a half ironman race is not something I’d ever expected to do, but the opportunity arose a few months ago when Alex Howard asked if I’d be willing to take his place in a relay team with two old friends of his. Alex was having to withdraw because of injury.  I dithered for a few days before replying as I was recovering from a hamstring problem and barely running 5k, let alone 21.  But the prospect of trying out something new, and on home turf at Holkham, was too good to miss, so I gave a very cautious acceptance and crossed my fingers that I’d get myself fit in time.

The Outlaw Holkham Half involves a 1.2 mile swim in the lake, 56 mile bike ride out to Flitcham / Dersingham and back, and finally a half marathon in Holkham park. The majority of competitors were doing all 3 activities (proper iron men / ladies) but ours was one of 37 teams doing it as a relay.

The Outlaw event takes over Holkham park for the weekend, with a big camp site and parking area as well as the event village and start/finish in front of Holkham Hall.  The ironman event takes place on the Sunday but registration is on the Saturday, which is when a number of other races take place. These included the 10k, and I was able to watch some great performances by RntS runners, including Tim Mardall and Sarah Diss coming second in respectively the men’s and women’s races.

Clive, David and I didn’t know each other and so had arranged a blind date in front of the registration tent.  They had both taken part in ironman races before but the whole thing was a bit of a mystery to me and it was helpful to spend time with them learning how it works.  Although at the end of the day my brief was pretty simple – stand by our bike stand in the transition area, wait for Clive to appear after his ride to tag me, and then run.

The day came and, unlike David, Clive and team captain Alex who were at Holkham for the start of the swim at 6am, I was able to have a lie-in.  When I woke at 7.15 I already had notifications on my phone from the Outlaw app that David had finished his swim in just under 35 minutes and that Clive was well on his way on the cycle leg.  I drove to Holkham, went to the designated place in the transition area, and was still double-knotting my laces when Clive came in, nearly 30 minutes ahead of schedule. He tagged me and I was off.

The run comprises 3 laps of a 7km course, which is a bit like the parkrun course in reverse, except that you turn off at the barns and head out on a gravel track and through woodland on the east side of the park before heading back towards the house to start the next lap.  It means there is a lot of climbing at the start of each lap.  The feed station manned by RntS, one of three on the course, is in a key location, just as you’ve finished the endless climbing and are turning sharp left towards the barns.  It comes as a welcome sight, not just because it’s where you finally have a bit of downhill, but because of the amazing welcome and support the RntS team gives the runners. I’m biased, but I know who I’ll be voting for in the ‘best feed station’ award if there is one.

It’s a tough course, not helped on the day by a strong wind from the west, but we were otherwise lucky with the overcast and coolish weather.

My fellow team members were waiting for me at the start of the finish straight when I finally got to the end of lap 3, and we crossed the line together in 5 hours, 39 minutes and 52 seconds, putting us a respectable 13th out of 37 among the relay teams. All in all, a brilliant experience, made all the better by fantastic RntS support.

Also a mention for club member Andrew Mulligan who took part as an individual and completed the event in 5:21:58.

Posted on

Gemma’s London Marathon

My London Marathon Report….

Well, The London Marathon! Where do I begin! It all started back in August when I was picked out the hat to represent Runners-next-the-Sea! I was sooo happy & proud to be running for our club! Little old me running the London Marathon! I had a smile on my face all the way home!

The excitement begins the moment you step on that train!

The first stop the day before the Marathon is when you go to the Excel Center to collect your race bib, which is a big moment! When you get that bib in your hand it all becomes very real!

There is a lot to look at in the Excel Center.  In fact anything & everything to do with running!

Then to the wall of names to find your name on the wall amongst 1000’s of others!  Another Big Moment!

The morning of the big day I think I was probably feeling a mixture of every emotion but mostly excited to start!

The trains to the start areas (which there are several start points) where packed with runners!  And it was buzzing!

Once off the train I followed the crowds of other runners!  I was heading to the red start area, wave 5 at Greenwich Park.

Once through security & into the start area it was a hive of activity with everyone changing into there kit & handing their bags in to put on the big lorries.

Then it was waiting for my wave to be called to start!

I can’t explain the feeling once at the start line, standing there amongst 1000’s of runners!  It was incredible!

As soon as you crossed that start line the crowds where there, shouting your name & cheering everyone on!  It really was amazing & so loud!  There was music, DJs, noise makers.  It was basically like a big party all the way around with some running thrown in! I loved it!

All the sights were amazing.  The Cutty Sark & my favourite was Tower Bridge.  It bought a tear to my eye!

Unfortunately my run didn’t go to plan. All was going well until around mile 8 then I started with cramp in my calves that got so bad I had to walk.  I was right behind the 4hr pacer & all was on track but sadly I had to watch her run into the distance.  It was very deflating for me. I cried with frustration then I walked until I could run again.  I managed to run again at a slower pace until mile 15 where I got the most awful cramps in all of my leg muscles, I’ve never had anything like it!  I couldn’t physically run so I ran when I could & walked when I had to for the last 11 miles but I was determined to cross the finish line & get that medal!  Even if I had to crawl it!

I was very disappointed with how that run went however I still loved it & smiled most of the way around!  The atmosphere, the crowds, the whole experience was just incredible!  A moment I will never, ever forget!

I feel I have unfinished business with that Marathon & I would definitely like to do it again one day if I ever get the chance again!

London Marathon you were amazing!

Posted on

6 SuperHalfs

For club members who enjoy the half marathon distance and enjoy travel and exploring new places, I would highly recommend the 6 SuperHalfs .

They are a serious of six glorious half marathons in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia. You complete them in any order and in your own time, with a SuperMedal at the finish of your last race! So all in Europe in city break destinations and you can fly from Stansted !!!

As a more mature member of the club now in my 70th year, I did each one using a run/walk strategy and completed them in 24 months (including 7-8 months when I wasn’t able or allowed to run), so they are definitely manageable for members who enjoy something a bit different and being a half marathon distance you are also able to enjoy some sightseeing before and after the event!

Each one offered a unique experience and I made so many friends along the way. My favourite two were Copenhagen and Berlin, which has the most iconic start and finish at the Brandenburgh Gate…..plus it was my last one!

Ceri

Posted on

Rnts 2 Mile Handicap – Club Champs event 1

A great turn out of 45 members last night to take part in the first Club Champs event of 2026.

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out and Andrew who has put together the standings so far:

March two mile handicap results 31.3.26

Club Champs event 2 is only a few days away, the Fakenham 5k on Easter Sunday.  IF you haven’t yet signed up, you can do so here: https://totalracetiming.co.uk/race/667

Here are your finish times in a searchable and order-able format:

PositionName 1Time
1Will W0:11:38
2Anthony0:12:49
3William0:13:56
4Gordana0:14:09
5Rob J0:14:16
6Bob H0:15:57
7Colin0:16:04
8Jason0:16:20
9Maureen0:16:45
10Patrick0:16:52
11Matthew0:17:03
12Kirsty G0:17:17
13Roland0:17:44
14Chris L0:17:56
15Guy0:17:58
16Suzanne0:18:00
17Kerrie0:18:04
18Lavona0:18:07
19Lee0:18:07
20Emily0:18:10
21Hannah0:18:11
22Kevin W0:18:47
23Lucy M0:19:07
24Nur0:19:13
25Nita0:19:19
26Becki0:19:23
27Peter0:19:23
28Hilary0:19:38
29Kevin B0:19:40
30Brigid0:19:43
31Rachel0:20:13
32Zoe0:20:15
33David N0:20:40
34David S0:20:46
35Hayley J0:20:53
36Natalie-Jayne0:21:01
37Amelia0:21:13
38Jennifer0:21:13
39Marc0:21:24
40Lizzie0:22:03
41Vincent0:22:48
42Sarah S0:22:58
43Lynne0:23:48
44Gill0:24:29
45Angie0:24:38

Posted on

Wymondham New Year’s Day 10K 2026

1st January. Most people are starting their day leisurely and possibly with a sore head from celebrating the night before. Fortunately, the brilliant marshals for the Wymondham 10k race were bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to welcome over 600 participants for the first event of the year.

Meeting at the race HQ, we followed the crowd to the start line a little way down the road. We all started together and the road was quite narrow. As it widened out, we all settled into our respective rhythms and fought the strong and icy headwinds for the first 4k. I stupidly didn’t take any gloves, so I pulled my long sleeve over my hands to keep them warm. This also meant I couldn’t constantly check my watch for my pace so I ran to feel which was good.

At 4k we turned left and the immediate lack of headwind made so much of a difference! I was really sweating with the effort of fighting the wind. Past the halfway water station and downhill for a while. Left again and then right which out us back onto the original outward bound road. The start of the race has a lovely long downhill which unfortunately turns into an uphill from hell for the return leg 🤣 Thanks to a heads-up from Vanessa I was prepared for it and managed to run the whole thing. Was also very grateful to a runner who’d caught me up at the bottom and together we slugged it out. There was no way I was giving him the satisfaction of seeing me walk and I think he was of a similar mind. The top of the hill came, a slight right and loads of ‘you’re nearly there’s!’ so I wound my little legs up and finished strong 💪🏻

A really good race and I would definitely do it again, thank you Wymondham AC!

Kirsty

Runners-next-the-Sea Results:
Kirsty – 59:13
Peter – 59:58
Marie – 1:08:37

Full results at https://totalracetiming.co.uk/raceresults/640

Posted on

Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival 2025

Today marks the first day of the Christmas tree festival in Fakenham church.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time for this and donated tombola prizes. A big thank you to Amelia, our youngest member, for helping the crazy crew of elves decorate the tree.
It’s our first tree at the event, and this year we’re raising money for East Anglian Air Ambulance Charity.
It’s open until December 4th, 10am until 8pm (12 noon until 8pm on Sunday), with a Festival Service on Sunday 30th November at 10am.
[Photo used with permission]
Posted on

East Coast 10K 2025

The East Coast 10k was the last race in the Sportlink 10k series. Having ran 6 of the races I decided to do this one as your 7 best results out of the 9 races counted (really just to see where I could finish in age group).

Managing to get in via the waiting list after they added extra places gave me the chance of another run I had never done.  Nita, Emily and Rob were entered and Paula made it a nap hand via the waiting list.

Accepting a lift from Paula we made our way to Great Yarmouth.  Parking was easy enough on the road side which was free. Funny enough Rob turned up at the same time and parked behind us.

Making our way to the Marina centre and registration the rain started, much to Paula’s delight(!).

Once inside the queues were quite long but registration was fairly swift. With well over 1000 entrants and the rain outside the hall was fairly crowded.

Making our way out for the start however was very busy and no clear indication of the start or predicted time zones.

The five of us found ourselves well towards the back. Realising this Paula, Rob, and myself try to make our way forward a bit. Whilst doing this we found the race had started and we were well over 1-2 minutes crossing the line.  This made the first 1k a bit of weaving through slower runners for us.

The route led along the road side of the prom for approximately 1k past the pleasure beach before turning towards the sea and running beach side of the prom northwards. Around 4.5k it turned back to the road and then ran southwards passing the Marina Centre and the Pleasure Beach to retrace the first 1.5k. The race finishing back past the Marina Centre on the sea side of the Prom.

A nice flat route but probably too big a field for the course. However we all achieved good times which we were pleased with.

Rob J 47.03
Paul W 47.12
Paula S 50.13
Nita 1.00.51
Emily J 1.09.15   (PB)

Personally a positive run and time, seeing me finish in 5th place in my age group for the Sportlink 10k series.

Report by Paul W

Posted on

Volunteering at the Inaugural Winter Warrior Ultra

Saturday, November 1st, saw the inaugural Winter Warrior 50km ultra marathon take place.  Organised by Boghopper Races, the event challenged runners to follow the Boudicca Way from Norwich to Diss – the reverse route of the successful summer 50km race.

I’d originally planned to sign up for this event over the summer as a great stepping stone towards the Peddars Way Ultra next February. However, due to a persistent knee issue, I made the sensible decision to withdraw.  Feeling a bit down about not being able to run, I decided the best way to regain my motivation was to be around inspirational people pushing themselves over the 50km distance. So, I signed up to volunteer for the day!

Checkpoint 1 and Tracker Monitoring

After being added to the volunteers’ WhatsApp group, I was pleased to see fellow club members Kerrie and Kirsty were also helping out. My main assignment was Checkpoint 1 (CP1), located about 11km into the race.  The night before, there was a last-minute call for someone to monitor the runner tracker and contact anyone who went off-course. I happily took this on, knowing it would keep me entertained while stationed at the road crossing later in the day!

Saturday morning was an early one. I packed plenty of snacks (essential for long shifts!) and extra warm layers before heading off to CP1 at the beautiful All Saints Church in Shotesham. All the food and drink had been dropped off the day before, so we got straight to work: setting up tables, spreading out the refreshments, filling water jugs, and “flattening the coke” (if you know,
you know!). It was lovely to see Kerrie and Kirsty and have a good catch-up before the runners arrived.

Everything was set up just as the first runners started coming through. The first three arrived together at an incredible pace, followed by a steady flow of participants. Being the first checkpoint meant all the runners came through in a relatively short space of time, which kept things rather hectic!

Road Crossing Duty

Once the tail runners had passed, I made my apologies around tidying up (sorry, Kerrie and Kirsty!) and set off on the 20-minute drive to my next post: Road Crossing 3 at Tivetshall, where runners would cross the busy A140 for the final time.  On arrival, I met my companion for the afternoon, a lovely fella named Steve from Coltishall Jags. Our job was to warn runners of the upcoming crossing as they approached. We had to be vigilant, as we found a few runners had somehow managed to approach on the wrong side of a
hedge, requiring us to direct them back about 400 metres to rejoin the correct path! At one point, I even had to help the runner in third place cross a ditch after he’d come up on the wrong side; unfortunately, he was overtaken as he got back on track. Being 40km into the race, the runners were far more spread out, so we had to man the crossing until 5:00 pm when the final runners came through.

My tablet came in handy for monitoring the tracker. It was quite fun making sure everyone stayed on course! This involved checking the link every five minutes and reviewing their positions. If someone appeared to be off track, I’d wait a few minutes, refreshing the page to see if they realised their mistake. If they kept heading the wrong way, I’d give them a call. I had to make several calls that day, but luckily, everyone answered, and I managed to get them all back on route. One couple went off course several times – we joked about the extra distance they’d given themselves when they eventually came through the road crossing!

Once the last runners had safely crossed the road, we removed all the signage, and I drove over to the finish line in Diss to drop it off. I let the organisers know I was heading home at that point, as I had an 80-minute drive ahead of me.

Finding My Running Mojo

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite it being a long one. The weather was great (though it did get cold as the sun went down), and watching everyone pushing themselves gave me loads of inspiration – it definitely helped me get my running mojo back!  I would absolutely recommend signing up to help out at one of these events and will definitely be volunteering at more of them. The extra bonus? Apparently, I can now sign up for a free
50km race myself, which is a nice saving!

Report by Andy P
Photo Credit:  Giles Thurston