A friendly running club, based in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk.
Worstead 5
Official Results:
David C – 00:32:37.3
Ant – 33:33.9
Rob – 37:55.2
Paul – 38:55.5
Will – 39:33.1
Paula – 39:44.0
Lucy Mc – 44:35.0
Hayley – 45:48.6
Marie P – 46:38.2
Nita – 46:43.4
Kerrie – 48:00.7
Michelle – 49:43.1
Deb – 51:37.6
Norwich Pride 5k
Unofficial Result:
David R – 19:25 – 1st place
Thanks to Nur for her report this weekend:
This event will always remain special to me as it was the first ever race my son participated in. We each ran at our own pace. I was very happy to meet my target of finishing in under 29 mins but I was even happier to see my son pacing himself all the way and finishing well before me. Above everything else his participation in the event made me very proud.
The course was spectacular, especially at the start when the course took us under the Sydney Harbour bridge and in the second half when we ran along the promenade in Barangaroo, with the Opera House coming into full view as the course took us back under the harbour bridge for a second time as we approached the finish line. So glad the event coincided with our visit to Sydney.
Gun time 28:46
Thanks to Chris & Ceri for a parkrun report from Singapore:
Bishan Park parkrun, Singapore
A parkrun in Singapore was not what Ceri and I had originally planned – that was supposed to be the Singapore Masters International Track and Field event in which I was entered for the 100m, 200m and 400m and Ceri had entered for the 400m and 800m. But Singapore weather can be extreme and 82% of an expected month’s rainfall in a morning puts paid to lots of things!
So, instead, it was an early start on Saturday at the beautiful Bishan Park because parkrun in Singapore – and there are three of them – starts at 7.30am while the temperature is still in the low 30s. However, it’s the 85% humidity, rather than just the heat, that finishes you off. And for me, I don’t do distance anymore, just sprinting and never more than 400m – so 5k is well out of my comfort zone even when it’s cool. So the two laps were tough. Nevertheless, we got round, with our son Owain – who lives in Singapore – finishing 3rd overall while Ceri was first in her age group and I was second.
And then it was hydration, hydration, hydration and a cab back to Owain’s apartment to lie down!
Jetsetting Nur sent us this report from the other side of the world:
‘I participated in Run Melbourne half marathon today and finished in 02:11:58. It’s a very big event with thousands of runners doing one of three distances: 5k, 10k, half marathon. Choosing the half meant I got to enjoy running through more landmarks.
It was my first international event and I was very happy to represent RntS. I enjoyed it fully. ‘
Official Results:
Will – 50:53
Kel – 54:26
Laura W – 57:49
Teresa F – 57:53
Chris L – 57:53
Marie F – 1:02:07
Vikki – 1:08:02
Michelle – 1:08:02
Mark – 1:08:03
Alison – 1:09:25
Deb – 1:10:37
Lesley – 1:10:37
Denise – 1:16:54
Angie – 1:20:37
A few tables to peruse after the inaugural (and fun) 2 mile Handicap Relay:
First, the team table, in finish order, sortable into finish times:
| Finish Order | Team | Members | Finish Time 100723 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 | Lavona, Andy, Kevin H | 48:52 |
| 2 | 9 | Marie P, Evette, Jimmy | 48:21 |
| 3 | 7 | Mark, Teresa F, Kirsty D | 49:57 |
| 4 | 10 | Chris L, Bob L, Shane | 48:28 |
| 5 | 2 | Sarah, Will, Alex J | 53:53 |
| 6 | 11 | Francesca, Paul, Ant | 49:19 |
| 7 | 6 | Tasha, Alex W, Kyle | 52:18 |
| 8 | 1 | Grania, Steve, David C | 54:58 |
| 9 | 4 | Angie H, Vikki, Lorraine | 54:20 |
| 10 | 5 | Lesley, Kirsty L, Andrew S | 54:06 |
| 11 | 3 | Candy, Cam, Cam | 55:38 |
Then Leg 1:
| Team | Members | Finish Time 100723 |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Lavona Rivington | 18:35 |
| 9 | Marie Pacey | 17:37 |
| 7 | Mark Riseborough | 18:28 |
| 10 | Chris Lubbock | 17:42 |
| 2 | Sarah Saunders | 23:46 |
| 11 | Francesca Iaccarino | 21:33 |
| 6 | Tasha Woodhouse | 23:06 |
| 1 | Grania O'Neill | 27:07 |
| 4 | Angie Harcourt | 20:51 |
| 5 | Lesley George | 20:52 |
| 3 | Candy White | 23:33 |
Leg 2:
| Team | Members | Finish Time 100723 |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Andy Payne | 16:18 |
| 9 | Evette Price | 17:46 |
| 7 | Teresa Futter | 17:57 |
| 10 | Bob Lyddon | 16:38 |
| 2 | Will Ayley-Dodd | 15:45 |
| 11 | Paul Woodhouse | 14:56 |
| 6 | Alex Wray | 15:21 |
| 1 | Steve Ellsey | 13:53 |
| 4 | Vikki Powles | 19:02 |
| 5 | Kirsty Lack | 18:53 |
| 3 | Cam Raven 1 | 16:39 |
Leg 3:
| Team | Members | Finish Time 100723 |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Kevin Heyhoe | 13:59 |
| 9 | Jimmy Goddard | 12:58 |
| 7 | Kirsty Daniels | 13:32 |
| 10 | Shane Hunt | 14:08 |
| 2 | Alex Joshua | 14:22 |
| 11 | Ant Cude | 12:50 |
| 6 | Kyle Hastings | 13:51 |
| 1 | David Coslett | 13:58 |
| 4 | Lorraine Hunt | 14:27 |
| 5 | Andrew Sutton | 14:21 |
| 3 | Cam Raven 2 | 15:26 |
Photos courtesy of Pete:
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….
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 – 1st 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
There was lots of activity this weekend with RntS members taking part in events near and far. Thanks to Kirsty for the report on Stour Valley Narrative Marathon, Michelle for covering Sandringham 5K and Vikki for reporting on the Sandringham Half Marathon. Well done to everyone involved!
On Saturday 17th June, Lucy and I set off at 6am to go to Nayland for the Stour Valley narrative marathon. We arrived in good time to register and got ourselves ready for the 9am start.
The course is a figure of eight so they also had two half marathon races; one starting at 9:15am in the same direction we had started from and then the second one starting at 11am to encompass the other loop which was our second half.
The first half was extremely hilly and it felt like it was mostly uphill. There was a nice mix of woods/shady areas, rivers, field and road throughout the race which made the navigation a bit easier rather than endless fields! We also well-timed coming out of a wooded area to see some of the flyover for King Charles which was an added bonus to the beautiful scenery.
We had a slight setback within the first two miles where Lucy encountered a tree but after checking she was OK (and thanks to a couple of other runners who also stopped) she said she felt OK to carry on which we did. She’s a strong woman 💪
Towards the end, the heat was beginning to make me feel a bit sick but we made it over the finish line well within the eight hour cut-off time. There was a four hour cut-off time to do the first loop which we done really well so had extra time.
Would highly recommend this race and would love to do it again.
Kirsty
Official Results
Kirsty & Lucy – 6:56:28.6
It was lovely and cool when I arrived at Run Sandringham for the 5k. Not too many people do the 5k race, around 200 ish so it’s a great race if you want something low key.
Just me racing the 5k so it was lovely to see Marie had arrived very early for her race to support me.
The race starts on grass and then heads towards the house on farm tracks, there are a few undulations on the course and the first one comes quite soon after the start to stop you going off to quick! The course takes you on a lap around the house and along past the church before heading into the woods where there’s a finally some shade. After a lovely long downhill you head back out of the woods across the grass and turn to sprint through the finish.
All the half marathon runners are there now and there’s a real party atmosphere. I met up with all the other RntS racing the half and stayed on to offer them support and man the supersoaker.
Michelle
Official Results
Michelle – 30:12
It had been over 4 years since I completed the half marathon distance and although I had been considering working up to it again I hadn’t made any solid plans. That is, until one day in April, when someone sent a message to see if I wanted to take up their place at Sandringham Half, and I accidentally found myself saying yes!
Now I must confess here, I often feel a bit of a fraud with my RntS kit on because I don’t actually like running-next-the-sea, nor on trails very much. This is because I’m lazy and I don’t like to lift my feet up! I’m much more comfortable getting back to my city-girl routes and pounding roads and pavements, so Sandringham Half probably wouldn’t have been my first choice, and I found myself dreading it a bit in the lead up. Added to that the weather forecast said ‘Scorchio!’ and I had a terrible run in Fakenham on the Thursday night. It felt hard to imagine getting round 13.1 miles when 5 was such a struggle just a few days before, and I did think at one point I may not bother. However, supportive clubmates and friends got me to the start, along with a realisation that I needed to prepare my fuel, hydration and strategy better – rather than just wing it as usual.
Sandringham Half Marathon is quite a big event, with around 1000 runners taking part. As the race start time ticked closer the toilet queues weren’t moving fast enough for everyone to get together. The solution? Have a team photo in the queue! Ingenious RntS problem solving!
On paper the course looked very windy-bendy, and I was a little worried it would feel a bit convoluted, like we were continually covering the same ground to make up the distance. However there was only one little stretch like that and the course was actually very interesting, with a varied mixture of paths, road, field and woodland, along with the money shot view of Sandringham House to enjoy on the way too. The mixed terrain was a little uneven in places and twice I nearly came a cropper on a tree root but managed to save myself. I told you I didn’t like picking my feet up!
It was a hot, hot day but thankfully there was some shade and a little breeze – though annoyingly never at the same time! There were 4 water stations en route, plus the added bonus of Mark and Michelle popping up along the course with Super Soakers. Getting sprayed was so cooling and was appreciated by so many runners, not just RntS. A random stranger even bought them a drink and a cookie to say thank you for their important work! I decided as part of my strategy that I would wear my hydration vest and I sipped my way through a litre of water during the event, plus the extra I took on at the stations, so I felt like that was a really good move. It was amazing how re-energised I felt after a brief stop at each water station. I also took on fuel during the race and made sure to adjust my expectations due to the weather. I set my target pace at 1 minute per kilometre slower than I had at Dereham 10 Mile race a month before. As it was I managed a lot quicker, but I had taken the mental pressure off by giving myself permission to run slower if I needed to and that really helped.
The hardest part for me was the hill at around 13.5K. I slowed right down, tried to remember what the coaches say – pumping arms, smaller steps – and was glad to make it to the top without walking. Another runner overtook me on that hill and when I caught up with her I complimented her on how strong she had been. She told me she had cried on that hill the year before and wasn’t going to let it beat her this year, which I found inspirational. I’d only trained to 10 miles and I did find my legs getting tired towards the end, but I still had energy left for a bit of a sprint finish which pleased me. Despite my worries I really enjoyed the event and the sense of satisfaction at completing this distance again was fantastic. Well done to everyone who took part in such difficult conditions and a big thank you to all the supporters too.
Vikki
Official Results
Kyle – 1:38:44
Kevin H – 1:45:02
Tara – 1:49:31
Shane – 2:00:27
Stuart G – 2:02:08
Gemma – 2:04:23
Laura W – 2:19:43
Marie – 2:25:21
Vikki – 2:31:38
Supporters:
Liam, Michelle, Lorraine & Mark
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 1st 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
Smiles for Miles – 1:39:59
RSP no V – 1:42:13
Better Lace Than Never – 1:42:26
Runners-not-next-the-Sea – 1:44:15
Run Now Wine later – 1:46:49
Team 69 – 1:50:07
RntS Runts – 02:11:08
Run For Cake – 02:14:40
All photos taken by Pete can be found here.