2018 was the fourth Run Norwich and my fourth time running it. If I’m 100% honest I’ve never really fully enjoyed it and I’ve never even got close to my PB on what is a remarkably hilly course for a “flat county”. My reasons for not enjoying it are 1. The sheer number of runners. I’m not a fan of crowds and each year they cram more and more runners in. So many of whom are over optomistic with their estimated finish which means unless you’re lucky enough to be an “elite” or fast runner you spend most of the race dodging round people. It would be better if walkers were made to pull over to one side instead of creating total roadblocks... and I’m sorry but for those who were walking after half a kilometre??? Really? You should have been in the pink section! 2. The heat. I’m not good in the heat, my internal thermostat is broke. August is always going to be a slog for me. 3. Water stations. RN have been known to run out of water and are very slow at dishing it out. Also they do seem reluctant to add an extra water station ever, even when as this year they were concerned at the temperature. 4. Toilets. Never enough!! Huge queues and if you’re someone like me who needs to go about 5 times in the build up you’re acuppered! One year I was forced to run into the Wig & Pen pub  on 8km as I was bursting having had to leave the queue to get to the start!! Not good for my time!! 

However, having said all that, when else do you get to run traffic free through the “fine city” of Norwich? The crowds are amazing, the marshalls all totally brilliant and the organisation can’t really be faulted. Will I do it again? Of course I will, every year!