First coastal road marathon in three decades hailed 'magnificent' success

The Mammoth Marathon saw athletes heading from Sea Palling to Happisburgh before taking in Walcott, Bacton, Paston, Mundesley and Northrepps.

They made their way past Cromer Pier before getting over the finish line at Sheringham.

A half-marathon started in Mundesley.

Mammoth Marathon runners run through Walcott. (Image: Archant 2022)

The event had been set to take place in May 2020, before being pushed back 12 months due to Covid.

A second cancellation then followed last year, with the marathon finally held on Sunday, May 15.

This year's event saw almost 300 take part in the half-marathon alone, with hundreds more expected to have completed the marathon route.

North Norfolk District Council leader, Tim Adams, said: "It has been a fantastic day and the whole thing has gone really well.

Runners at the start of the full Mammoth Marathon at Sea Palling. (Image: Archant 2022)

"It is definitely inspiring us to want to do it again and I'm really keen to see that happen.

"We saw at the start a really good atmosphere and that's the same in Sheringham at the finish, and it's a nice little boost for our local businesses along the route too.

"People have really stepped up to help. We've had a lot of volunteers for the drink stations and we are getting a lot of good feedback from the runners.

Two-year-old Beattie Greaves, with her mum Amy, waits for her daddy and her uncle to pass in Walcott as they run in the Mammoth Marathon. (Image: Archant 2022)

"It's great to see so many people taking part, whether that's experienced marathon runners or people doing it for the first time getting a new personal achievement."

The 'mammoth' theme of the race ties in with the council's Deep History Coast campaign, which aims to draw more people to explore north Norfolk's prehistoric heritage, which was once a stomping ground for species including the southern mammoth.

Councillor Virginia Gay, portfolio holder for culture and wellbeing, said: "It has been a magnificent day and there are a lot of happy people around.

Mammoth Marathon runners run through Walcotty, as Henry Thompson, eight, does his special celebratory dance. (Image: Archant 2022)

"Credit must go to North Norfolk District Council for their work setting this up, but this is only the inaugural event so hopefully there will be more in the future.

"I have heard a lot of good things from the runners and I admire them all for their success."

Jon Lee dressed as the mammoth as the Mammoth Marathon runners run through Walcott. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners pass the Happisburgh lighthouse in the Mammoth Marathon. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners in the Mammoth Marathon run through Happisburgh. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners in the Mammoth Marathon run through Happisburgh. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners in the Mammoth Marathon run through Happisburgh. (Image: Archant 2022)

Henry Thompson, eight, does his special celebratory dance as Mammoth Marathon runners pass him at Walcott. (Image: Archant 2022)

Mammoth Marathon runners run through Walcott. (Image: Archant 2022)

Cheer for the Mammoth Marathon runners running through Walcott. (Image: Archant 2022)

Cheers for the Mammoth Marathon runners running through Walcott. (Image: Archant 2022)

Mammoth Marathon runners run through Walcott. (Image: Archant 2022)

Jon Lee ready to run in the Mammoth Marathon as a mammoth. (Image: Archant 2022)

The start of the full Mammoth Marathon at Sea Palling. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners at the start of the full Mammoth Marathon at Sea Palling. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners at the start of the full Mammoth Marathon at Sea Palling. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners at the start of the full Mammoth Marathon at Sea Palling. (Image: Archant 2022)

The lead runner passes Happisburgh lighthouse at around the six mile mark of the Mammoth Marathon. (Image: Archant 2022)

Runners pass the Happisburgh lighthouse in the Mammoth Marathon. (Image: Archant 2022)