Outline Concept of the Round Norfolk Relay.

The course mirrors the county boundary over a distance of 197 miles, divided into 17 unequal stages.  Norfolk’s enormous skies, vast sandy beaches, open spaces and picturesque towns and villages, with their attractive cottages and medieval churches, all contribute to making the race a unique running experience. But it is likely to be the spectacular skies at sunset and sunrise which will provide the most vivid memories.

The race starts at Lynnsport, a modern leisure centre, in Kings Lynn and then, from Hunstanton, follows the stunning coastline through 5 multi terrain stages using the Norfolk Coastal path as far as Cromer. The 35 miles (4 stages) from Cromer to Great Yarmouth are on the road.  By the time the majority of teams reach Great Yarmouth it is dark.

From Great Yarmouth, the course turns south-west following mains roads for 67 miles (4 stages), all run in darkness.  It is during these mostly flat stages through Breckland that the time stagger unwinds and the race is invariably won or lost. On reaching Feltwell (Stage 14) there are only 33 miles remaining.  These 4 remaining stages are run across the flat Fens through the early morning mist. About half way into the final stage, the course follows the Great Ouse River into historic King’s Lynn, passing by the old Custom house, through the famous Tuesday Market Place and then on to the Finish at Lynnsport.                                

Unique in character and concept, the race presents not only a tough physical challenge, but also a test of the organizational prowess of a club.  Run over 24 hours, without a break (and carrying a baton), the event is much more than just a normal relay for it requires special preparation, planning and support.  It is not an event for a club without a spirit of adventure. But the sense of satisfaction and achievement after completing the race is simply ‘Second to None’.

The Lynnsport & Leisure Park race centre has all the facilities of a modern, efficient and expertly staffed sports complex.  Teams may stay overnight (Free of charge) either camping or sleeping in the building and meals can be provided.

A staggered start, based on anticipated finishing times, ensures that teams of similar ability start together, with faster teams chasing.  If the stagger works, all teams should finish the race by 9:30am on the Sunday.  With the first teams starting at 5:30 am on Saturday this allows for teams running an average of 8:31 per mile throughout the course.

There are 4 team classes:

Club:  Must include 5 women and 6 masters of either gender.

Open:  Any combination of runners.

Masters: Men must be over 40 and women over 35.

Ladies:  All female of any age.

Each club must be affiliated to EA or ARC and have 17 different runners. Runners must be a member of the club they are representing.

Each runner and the team timekeeper receive a special race memento (19 per team).  Each of the 17 stages constitutes a race for which a prize is awarded for the best male and female.