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While September means the start of autumn, for many runners it also means the end of several weeks of intensive training as they prepare for one of the September and autumn marathons, either here in the UK or abroad.
However, here in Norfolk, September also means it’s the Round Norfolk Relay, now in its 37th year and taking place next weekend (14/15 September) starting and finishing at Lynnsport in King’s Lynn.
A nearly 200 mile route that follows the county boundary over two days whilst taking in the Norfolk Coast Path with overnight stages en route through the Waveney Valley, Breckland and the Fens adding to the excitement and exclusivity of this super event.
I still remember meeting Ryston runners Peter Duhig, Ian Vaughan Arbuckle and Bob Hancock in late 1986 when they told me about their plans to start a relay race in the county the following year, in the hope that in time it would become a leading event in Norfolk. I think it is fair to say that their vision all those years ago was spot on.
From a simple club effort in the first year, followed by an invitation for other clubs to join in the following years, to the huge event it is today. And not just for clubs based here in the county – as evidenced by the fact that 60 teams (17 riders in each team) are entered in this year’s race.
In addition to the more than 1,000 participating athletes, there are also the support teams who follow their own runners with all the marshals.
This year the relay has partnered with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) as its preferred charity. To make the run even more special, the EAAA has also entered its own team which will include several healthcare professionals including doctors and paramedics, as well as guest runners from a mix of clubs across the county including City of Norwich AC, Tri Anglia, Norwich Road Runners, Dereham Runners, Wymondham AC and the Norfolk Trail Runners, jointly led by EAAA CEO and keen runner Matthew Jones, and James Nice, in the hope of finishing in 27 hours.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the Round Norfolk Relay for their support,” said Matthew. “I have been fortunate enough to take part in this wonderfully crazy and inspiring event on several occasions and am now absolutely delighted that it will not only raise awareness of the EAAA’s life-saving work, but also help generate vital funds to keep our specialist doctors and paramedics flying and on the road.”
I don’t think anyone can argue that this is an excellent choice for this year’s charity partner and whilst we all have a pretty good idea of how the East Anglian Air Ambulance works, speaking to James Nice has enlightened me even more not only on the incredible work that the EAAA does but also how the charity runs two helicopters from Norwich and Cambridge as well as rapid response vehicles 24 hours a day 365 days a year via specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots who all bring their advanced skills, equipment and medicines to the seriously ill in our area.
“I regularly witness the incredible work that the Air Ambulance does, having been a paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Trust for nearly 20 years. So when I was asked to race for Team EAAA in what has always been one of my favourite events on the racing calendar each year, it was something I simply couldn’t turn down,” said James. “With a cost of around £3,750 for each call, we simply couldn’t do it without the incredible support we receive from businesses and the people of East Anglia, especially as we receive no government funding.”
Also taking part in the EAAA team this year are EAAA’s Dr Nick Marriage and paramedic Juliette Watkinson, who is of course one of Norfolk’s most prominent female athletes and the current record holder for the Peddars Way Ultra, with a very fast time of 6 hours and 35 minutes to complete the 48 miles. I should also mention that Juliette will also be running a leg for her official club, Wymondham AC. However, and for those who know her well, this will come as no surprise.
I leave James (Nice) with the final word in my column this week, some very poignant words: “This year, participants will also remember Darryl Davis, who suffered an acute cardiac arrest on the eve of the end of his stage at Cley next the Sea in 2014. Despite the best efforts of the paramedics and the air ambulance, Darryl failed to regain consciousness. To mark the 10th anniversary of his death, and in celebration of Daryl’s relay and achievements with CoNAC and Tri Anglia, his widow Kerry and children will welcome the next generation of stage 7 riders to Mundesley.”
The EAAA team support vehicle will be highly visible during the race weekend and equipped with a collection bin and card reader for donations. You can also donate via their dedicated JustGiving here.
