Record numbers flock to east coast as 10k run celebrates most successful year to date

Scenes from the East Coast 10K. Matthew Jeffries of Waveney Valley AC is the first runner home. Picture: MARK STONE (Image: MARK STONE)

More than 800 runners hit the startline as the East Coast Run 2018 made a successful return to Great Yarmouth on Sunday, October 14.

Organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, in association with the Great Yarmouth Road Runners, the road race – which has been held since 1989 – attracted its 'biggest turnout' ever.

The mayor of Great Yarmouth, Mary Coleman, started the runners off for the East Coast 10k at 10.30am, with the race circuit – which was held all on-road – beginning and ending at St George's Park.

Scenes from the East Coast 10K Picture: MARK STONE (Image: MARK STONE)

The course consisted of multiple laps, as runners were taken along the fast and flat pavements and promenade of Great Yarmouth as they made their way past historic and tourist landmarks around the town and seafront.

And after a closely contested race, it was Waveney Valley AC runner Matthew Jeffries who eventually finished in first place in a time of 33:04. Non-affiliated runner Przemyslaw Dolinski was second in 34:58 with Bure Valley Harriers runner Ryan Davidson third in 35:17.

Finishing eighth overall, and taking the prize as the first female home, was City of Norwich AC runner Charlotte Rose, who triumphed in 36:26.

Cathy Tooley, the race director and member of the Great Yarmouth Road Runners, said: 'We are really pleased. Luckily the weather held, everyone managed to stay dry and we have had a really good turnout.

'The entries seem to be growing year on year and this year was the biggest turnout we have ever had.'

While the course record was not broken, Mrs Tooley said there were a great number of personal victories once more on the day, as a 'Couch to 10k' training programme was successfully organised by Great Yarmouth Road Runners again this year – meaning new runners tackled the distance.

Mrs Tooley added: 'The day started at 6am, and all has come together really well – we are delighted with the outcome.

'Our club members were great as they volunteered and gave up their time on the day. The Moots – a band from Caister – kept everyone entertained as they performed outside the Marina Centre on the seafront.'

This year's race was again supported by Adnams, Arthur Jary, Repro Arts, Sports Link and Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership, with all participants receiving a race momento. There were also age category prizes, plus prizes for the leading runners, which were presented by Jary's.