Runners taking part in the Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon and race4each on 30 November will find all the usual items in their goodie bags to help them recover after the race; water, cereal bars and bananas – but some will also find a digital video camera, patio heater or flat screen TV!
As an incentive for people to enter, the two nominated charities, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (‘each’) and Big C, have persuaded local businesses to come up with spot prizes for runners – so, if there is a special golden envelope in your goodie bag, you have won.
“This is a fantastic way to encourage people to run,” said Mark Curtis from race sponsors, Chartered Accountants and business advisors, Larking Gowen. “Both charities have worked wonders to get some really exciting spot prizes for the goodie bags and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the local businesses who have donated the prizes.”
“Once again the race4each, a 5km support race, will be held alongside the Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon with both taking place at the Royal Norfolk Showground.
“Understandably, some people are put off by the 13 miles of a half marathon so the race4each is a perfect alternative for them, giving the chance to run, have fun and raise money our designated charities,” added Mark Curtis.
Said Hugh McGill, race director from City of Norwich Athletic Club, “So far we have had over 1,600 entrants in the half marathon, which is fabulous. We hope these spot prizes will encourage even more people to enter both races and help raise money for two worthwhile local charities.”
Spot prizes on offer to runners include:
- Sanyo digital camcorder
- Sony digital camera
- Weekend at local hotel with dinner for two at local Kitchen restaurant
- England football shirt
- Family photo session worth £75
- Patio heater
- Flat screen TV
- Two night stay for two with three course meal and wine at the Swan, Lavenham
Further details and how to enter it, can be found at: www.cityofnorwichhalfmarathon.com
School children are being encouraged to keep fit, raise money for charity and possibly win sports equipment too!
The Schools’ Challenge is being held for the first time as part of the 5k race4each which is taking place on 30 November alongside the Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon, at the Royal Norfolk Showground.
Schools will be able to enter teams of four with prizes for the top three of £125, £75 and £50 worth of sports vouchers respectively, donated by Jarrolds.
Entrants will also be encouraged to seek individual sponsorship with all monies raised going to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (‘each’).
“Last year the race4each was run for the first time and we were delighted with the response,” said Mark Curtis, partner at Larking Gowen. “For 2008 we wanted to encourage more young people to take part, hence the introduction of the race4each Schools’ Challenge. We hope schools will support the race by entering as many teams as they can.”
All entrants for the Schools’ Challenge must be 13 years of age or over on 30 November and the event is open to children in school years 9 to 11.
In 2007, the race4each attracted over 250 runners and raised more than £14,000 for the charity.
Ian Clayton, principal of Thorpe St Andrew School, which has a number of teams entered, said: “As a sports college we’re very keen on the promotion of health and sport, and the race4each Schools’ Challenge in a good way of encouraging that. We have a strong responsibility to the local community, and by taking part the youngsters can give something back.
EDP deputy editor Pete Water added: “The race4each raises money for a very worthwhile cause, so the Schools’ Challenge is a good way for children to think about others less fortunate than themselves.
Plus it helps encourage a healthy lifestyle and, you never know, we may just see some up-and-coming starts for the London Olympics.”
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, ‘each’, will again be the chosen charity for this year’s 5k Race4Each run to be held in Norwich on 30 November.
Last year’s event attracted over 250 runners, raising more than £14,000 for ‘each’.
Once again the run will be held alongside the Larking Gowen City of Norwich Half Marathon at the Royal Norfolk Showground.
“From the feedback we had last year we had no hesitation in organising the 5k run again,” said Ian Fitch of sponsors Larking Gowen. “Clearly there are people who find the 13.1 miles of the half marathon rather daunting, but are still very keen to take part, raise money for charity and have fun.”
‘each’ is committed to maximising the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions. Money raised by the race will go to help care for the children and their families by offering practical support and advice.
“We are again indebted to Larking Gowen, Norwich Union and the City of Norwich Athletics Club for their wonderful support for ‘each’ at Quidenham with this year’s event,” said Carl Brooks from ‘each’. “As a charity relying on 75% of its income from voluntary support, fundraising initiatives like this are crucial for local families.”
Full details of the Race4Each and how to enter it, and the half marathon, can be found at www.cityofnorwichhalfmarathon.com