THE streets of Great Yarmouth will be pounded by the feet of hundreds of runners taking part in the 10k East Coast Run this month

Organisers are hoping for a record turnout for Great Yarmouth’s premier athletics event on Sunday, October 24.

The event is both a competitive road race and accessible for those who want to get active, attempt the distance for the first time, whether walking and jogging with friends, or achieve a personal best.

Last year saw a field of 591 runners who completed the distance in times varying from 33 minutes 42 seconds to 1 hour 43 minutes.

Two thirds of the field were unattached with the remainder being club runners.

Starting and finishing in St George’s Park, the fast, flat one-lap race route takes in many of Yarmouth’s attractions including the town centre and golden mile.

For the lead runners trying to get among the prizes, there is always a competitive atmosphere. The male winner last year was 26-year-old Steve Robinson, in a time of 33.42, and the female winner was Julie Heath, in a time of 42.12.

Race director Karen Manning said: “With the sea breezes blowing in the right direction personal best times can be broken.

“The sense of achievement for most when they run through the finish gantry, glancing at the clock, is that of pride and, hopefully, enjoyment.

“Whatever your time you will always be met with a smile from Great Yarmouth Road Runners marshals, organisers from the borough council and local cadets.”

With a week-by-week training schedule provided by Olympic athlete Paul Evans, it is an ideal opportunity for runners to prepare for the race.

A previous winner of the Chicago Marathon, Paul competed in the 10,000m at the Barcelona and Atlanta Games.

Now in its third year, the East Coast Run is organised by Great Yarmouth Road Runners in association with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Active Norfolk, Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority and Town Centre Partnership.The Mercury is media partner.

Runners can register by filling in the coupon above; by going online to the Great Yarmouth Road Runners website www.gyrr.co.uk, or call 01493 846354.

The minimum age on race day is 16. Each runner successfully completing the course will receive a memento and for those finishing high in their age category, a cash prize.

Paul’s program is aimed at advanced beginners, with an extra easy week prior to race day.

l All sessions should start with some gentle stretches paying particular attention to the lower limbs, muscle groups, hamstrings and calf muscles. Any questions regarding the training programme email: paul.evans@activenorfolk.