Bob Paul thanks for Bungay Black Dog Marathon’s smooth running

The race director for the Bungay Black Dog Marathon is this year's recipient of the Bezant Cup as the town's sports personality of the year.

Bob Paul was presented with the trophy at the annual Bungay Civic Evening at the community centre on Friday by the mayor Terry Reeve who said the marathon, which marked its 30th anniversary two weeks ago, was a great asset to the town, bringing people in from throughout the country and abroad.

'For the race director it represents a marathon of planning and organising over many months beforehand to bring it to a successful climax; Bob is a well deserving recipient,' he said.

Sunday's race had entries at an all time high.

For the half-marathon entries closed in advance of race day as they reached a maximum of 600 and entries for the marathon totalled well over 200 by the time the runners reached the start line.

A fully integrated member of the Bungay Black Dog Running Club, Bob is not only a good runner in his own right – he ran the London Marathon on Sunday – but also always ready and willing to welcome and encourage new and perhaps less confident members.

Bob said he was proud and honoured to be award the Bezant Cup, but emphasised that there was a big team of club members and other volunteers involved on the day to make sure it went smoothly.

Bob's nomination statement added: 'He is a rather quiet but very gentle person, reluctant to acknowledge that the success of the marathon and half marathon over the past few years has been down to his hard work and dedication over many months.

'He is an asset to both the club and the Bungay Marathon.'