New city centre half-marathon coming to Norwich

7 hours ago

Neve Gordon-Farleigh

News image — Steven Hitcham said its inaugural half-marathon event, taking place next year, would be the first to take place in the city centre since 1993

Getty Images The legs of about a dozen runners wearing shorts and trainers of various colours during a running event. They are on a road and part of a bush is on the far left. — Steven Hitcham said its inaugural half-marathon event, taking place next year, would be the first to take place in the city centre since 1993

A race organiser is hoping to unite Norwich with another running event in the city's sporting calendar.

EPIC Norfolk organises events including distances of 5km, 10km and half-marathons across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Steven Hitcham said its inaugural half-marathon event, taking place next year, would be the first half-marathon to take place in the city centre since 1993.

Because it will take place at a different time of year, he believes it will complement the existing 10km Run Norwich event which happens in August.

EPIC Norfolk, a not-for-profit organisation, also specialises in bringing sporting opportunities to older people, people with dementia and adults with disabilities.

Speaking to Chris Goreham on BBC Radio Norfolk, Hitcham said: "Half-marathons are sort of our niche.

"For people getting into running it's a nice target, it's something you have to train for, but not overly train. Whereas a marathon can be a bit more daunting.

"There's a lot of social running groups around Norwich as well - it's something that's really taken off."

Steven Hitcham Steven Hitcham looking directly at the camera and smiling. He is wearing a black hoodie. He has a dark-brown beard. — Steven Hitcham said he wanted to take EPIC Norfolk's event organising to the next level

The route will start and finish on Red Lion Street, covering 13.1 miles (about 21km), going past city landmarks including Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Market and the Theatre Royal.

"We want to have everybody on board for the event and make it something that Norwich really wants and enjoys and looks forward to," Hitcham continued.

The race will be held on bank holiday Monday, 3 May.