Nearly 700 runners from across the region raced into the New Year taking part in the annual Wymondham AC 10k on Monday 2nd January.

A record turnout of 687 runners took part in the event which celebrated it’s 40th anniversary this year.

First place honours in the men’s race went to Saint Edmund Pacers’ runner Jack Nixon who finished in 32:39, followed by Wymondham AC’s Aidan Banfield in a time of 33:23 and Daniel Middleton in 33:56.

In the Ladies race Kate Murrell from Tri-Anglia Triathlon Club took first place in a time of 38:56. Second and third places were closely contested between two of Wymondham AC’s runners - Harriet Carr in 39:17 and Juliette Watkinson in 39:26.

In the Junior men’s race, William Percival from City of Norwich AC came first and finished an impressive 14th place overall in a time of 36:00 with fellow CONAC runner Hannah Colby winning the junior female race in 51:14.

The first event took place on 1st January 1983 and Wymondham AC runner Eva Osborne took part in the first ever race. Still running strong 40 years later, she wore the Number 1 vest for the race and won her F70+ age category in a time 1:02:17.

The race was supported by over 90 members of Wymondham Athletic Club who volunteered for marshalling on the course as well as giving out race numbers, setting out the course and handing out well deserved medals, water and snacks to the runners on the finish line. Supporters also turned out in good number to watch the race.

A hot drink and cake sale back at Race HQ in Central Hall raised an impressive £415 for the club’s chosen charity The Miscarriage Association.

Race Director’s Katie Whitmore and Joe Woodley were delighted with the turnout for the race and were proud to see so many local residents and supporters out on the course cheering on the runners. “Our marshals are always in fine voice supporting the runners out on the course and it was a delight to see so many happy faces crossing the finish line. Our event kick starts the racing calendar in Norfolk with many more local club races to follow throughout the year”.