THE starting pistol was fired on the build up to Great Yarmouth's showpiece sporting occasion this week.Hundreds of entrants of all abilities are once again set to take part in this year's East Coast Run on October 25.
THE starting pistol was fired on the build up to Great Yarmouth's showpiece sporting occasion this week.
Hundreds of entrants of all abilities are once again set to take part in this year's East Coast Run on October 25.
Mayor Tony Smith joined council and tourism bosses and race organisers for the event launch at the Wellesley recreation ground on Tuesday.
A popular event in the athletic calendar for runners of all ages and abilities, the 10k run takes in the seafront and town centre.
Groups of friends and workmates are being encouraged to use the occasion as a chance to get more fit and active.
Starting and finishing in St George's Park, this year's event also includes a one-mile family fun run.
Olympic athlete Paul Evans is providing a training programme, starting this week in the Mercury.
Paul is also hosting a special race training evening on Monday, September 14, at the Wellesley.
Race director Karen Manning, said: “It is an accessible distance to most people even if they have to walk some of the way.
“We are trying to get larger numbers of fun runners taking part as a way of getting people more active.
“This year it's planned to have a corporate challenge and junior prize for entrants aged 16 to 20 so together with the family run there really is something for everyone.”
The race is organised by Great Yarmouth Road Runners with sponsorship from Great Yarmouth and Waveney NHS. Partners include Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Active Norfolk, Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership and Greater Yarmouth Tourism Authority. The Mercury is the media partner.
Prizes will be awarded for five age categories and teams with a special memento for all finishers.
Great Yarmouth and Waveney NHS exercise referral co-ordinator Charles Allen said: “This is a great opportunity for people who may not previously considered becoming active to do so. Physical in-activity costs each PCT in Britain �3.2m each year.”
Participants can attend Great Yarmouth Road Runners training sessions every Tuesday from 6.45pm, at Cliff Park Junior School.
Beginners' sessions will also be held every Wednesday 5 to 6pm at the Great Yarmouth and Waveney NHS office, Common Lane North, Beccles.
Training Schedule
By Paul Evans
Week 1
Sunday: 5 min walk/warm up, 10 min easy/jog, 5 min walk/warm down
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 5 min walk/warm up, 10 min easy/jog, 5 min walk/warm down
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 5 min walk/warm up, 10 min easy/jog, 5 min walk/warm down
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 5 min walk/warm up, 10 min easy/jog, 5 min walk/warm down
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