Boost for Norfolk running scene as Sportlink unveiled as new sponsor for Grand Prix Series

Norfolk road running has been given a huge boost after Sportlink Running and Fitness was unveiled as the new sponsor for the Grand Prix Series.

Sportlink Running and Fitness have agreed a three-year deal to back the series of events, which are run over a variety of distances across the county. The series will now be known as the Sportlink Running & Fitness Grand Prix Series.

Sportlink owner, Neil Featherby, said: 'I am absolutely delighted that we at Sportlink Running & Fitness have been given the chance to become the sponsor of Grand Prix Series. As mentioned in my columns for the EDP and the Evening News during the last few weeks, running is now at an all time high for which I think this is absolutely fantastic. However, we also have some highly competitive athletes in the various age categories here in Norfolk, for which I am hoping that not only can we hope to see each race hit maximum numbers, but also see some of our best athletes taking part to make for some first class racing too. A big thank you to Richard Polley and all at Athletics Norfolk for giving us this opportunity to be involved for the next three years.'

Chairman of the Athletics Norfolk Road Running committee, Richard Polley, added: 'It's really good news that we have agreed a deal with Sportlink to support the Grand Prix Series. Neil Featherby is very well known and widely respected in the local running community and I'm sure that our association with Sportlink will see the Grand Prix Series go from strength to strength over the next three years.'

Anyone can take part in the series, which were previously sponsored by Leathes Prior – members of clubs affiliated to Athletics Norfolk, members of clubs not affiliated to Athletics Norfolk and unattached runners – everyone is welcome.

Ages are as at December 31, 2018 with masters in five year age groups from 40 to 65+.

At every race the winner in each age group scores 100 GP points, second place scores 99 GP points and so on. The final standings will aggregate each runner's best eight performances from any of the 11 GP races in this year's series. You don't need to do a minimum of eight races to count in the final standings but it will obviously affect your score.

Here are the 11 races selected:

28 January - Freethorpe Ten

18 February - Valentine 10k

25 March - Wymondham 20m

13 May - Dereham 10m

23 May - Great Yarmouth 5m

24 June - Humpty Dumpty 10k

1 July - Harling 10k

27 July - Worstead 5m

12 August - Great Yarmouth Half Marathon

19 August - Dereham 5k

21 October - Holt 10k