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Buzzing to the end at the Normanby Hall 10K

Covid-safe Normanby Hall 10K is the bee’s knees

500 runners were in safe hands at the Normanby Hall 10K

Normanby Hall 10K (Sunday 6 September) was a masterclass in event organisation in this pandemic with safety at the top of the agenda for organisers Curly’s Athletes. There was the desire to keep it real inasmuch it felt like a ‘normal’ race and ensure everyone had fun at the same time. And cake! Mission accomplished on all fronts.

This was one of the first road 10Ks in the country with 500 runners all of whom were buzzing about the thought of racing again and ready to enjoy themselves whilst adhering to the Covid-secure guidelines. The rolling start in particular was a vote winner for many runners who preferred this to a mass start and the risk of bottlenecks and there was a ‘feel good’ factor with plenty of black and yellow outfits on display. The race was supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Conditions were dry and mild at the Normanby Hall Estate in North Lincolnshire as the entrants headed off along a course, half of which was on closed roads, through the villages of Thealby and Burton upon Stather. Local people cheered as they passed and volunteers encouraged them every step of the way to the finish. 

Jacob Parkinson won in 32:36. There was only one second between runner-up Lewis Budgen and Sebastien Vicary with Budgen finishing in 33:10 and Vicary in 33:11.

Georgina Weston was the women’s winner in 37:59 followed by Natalie Bunce in 39:38. Tracey Fearn was third in 40:01.

Everyone was a winner: the organisers, volunteers and runners who showed it is possible to host a safe event that also felt like a ‘real’ race and where months of planning paid off. Preparation was key to its success and not to be underestimated: “One small step for Curly’s but one giant leap for running kind.”

Check out full results from runABC Midlands race listing page.

Image courtesy of Mark Dickinson

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