Norwich parkrun has been set up and managed by a whole team of very enthusiastic, dedicated and motivated people.
Active Norfolk wanted a parkrun in Norwich to simulate the great success of other parkruns nationally and see Eaton Park as the best place for this to be done.
Active Norfolk continue to work with City of Norwich AC, Norwich City Council, Norfolk NHS and a whole host of very passionate volunteers to set up and continue to manage Norwich parkrun.
As Norwich parkrun is community owned and run by volunteers the umbrella agencies will continue to support in anyway possible (infact with a majority of the volunteers coming form the organisations)!!
We have a pool of around 200 volunteers who will manage the runs on a weekly basis and who we are forever grateful to for their hard work and dedication.
The Run Directors
Richard Polley: A rugby player in his youth and keen runner for many years, Richard is the Road Running Coordinator at City of Norwich AC. He regularly helps with the management and organisation of some of the best known road races in the East of England including the City of Norwich Half Marathon, the Lord Mayor's 5k City Centre Classic and the Trowse 10k.
Nick Clarke: A keen runner but more used to water. Nick works for Active Norfolk and the NHS as the Physical Activity and Health Improvement Coordinator. He will continue to volunteer for parkrun and is looking forward to a whole range of people getting involved, both volunteering and doing the runs. Helping to set up Kings Lynn parkrun too, his aim is to have 2 more set up in Norfolk before the Olympic and Paralympic games.
Gary Penn: I have been a parkrun Run Director since its inception in August 2010 and like the eclectic mix of athletes and runners trying to better the Parkrun personal bests. I have lived in Norwich since 2005 and feel that parkrun has provided the City with an opportunity to increase healthy and active lifestyles.
Carla Potter: Carla approached parkrun during March 2010 about setting up a parkrun in Norwich having been inspired by the Leeds Hyde Park parkrun and thinking Norwich needs parkrun. Carla's dream came true when with the help of Active Norfolk Norwich parkrun started in August 2010. Carla is now one of the race directors volunteering on her home turf! No doubt running most of them too!
More details to follow on our other volunteers very soon…..
More About parkrun
Norwich parkrun is a FREE weekly 5km event for runners of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9am in Eaton Park, Norwich.
It is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed run and it can really be whatever you want it to be, whether that's for fun or as part of a training plan.
It offers an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain. We want to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE!
Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once! Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there!
After the run, if you don’t have to get off straight away, there will be the chance to socialise with everyone at the Café to maybe swap stories about your run that day, chat to other runners over a cup of tea or coffee and just be an important part of this new running community.
So whether you are a complete novice looking to get yourself started on your own "running journey" or a seasoned athlete wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join us.