East Coast Run celebrates most successful year to date

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Great Yarmouth's East Coast Run welcomed a record 690 runners to the town on Sunday, October 15.

The road race, which has been held since 1989, was supported by large crowds of people enjoying the good weather.

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, in association with the Great Yarmouth Road Runners, the run is open to all aged 16 and above.

Cathy Tooley, race director and member of the Great Yarmouth Road Runners, said: 'It has been a really good day. We had an excellent turnout and were lucky with the weather as well.'

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

'Races like this are getting more and more popular – this is the highest turnout we have ever had.'

The circuit started and finished at St George's Park and took runners around the historic and tourist landmarks of the town and seafront.

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

All those who participated in the race were greeted at the finish line with a medal, a bottle of water and for the over-18s, a free bottle of Adnams beer.

Daniel Middleton won the race but there were a great number of personal victories on the day, many of which came from the Great Yarmouth Road Runners' 'Coach to 10k' training programme.

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Mrs Tooley said: 'A few were so pleased they had tears in their eyes as they crossed the line.

'It was such a huge achievement to them and the group has helped inspire people who had never even run before to get into the sport.'

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Mrs Tooley suggested the race could continue to grow next year.

She said: 'If the demand is there we could potentially go up to 1,000 runners.

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

This year's event was the first to feature a 'sports village' where runners could enjoy beverages and a massage courtesy of Sports Link.

The event was supported by Adnams, Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership, St George's Theatre, Repro Arts and Sports Link.

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Mrs Tooley added: 'I want to say thanks to all the people who came and enjoyed the day.

'I hope to see you all again next year.'

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Daniel Middleton wins the Yarmouth East Coast 10K run. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)

Hundreds of runners take part in the East Coast 10K run in Yarmouth. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant � 2017)