As you are no doubt aware, our Race for Wildlife 2013 took place on Saturday 19 October. The results have already been published in the blog on Saturday but here is a review of how the day itself went, along with photos of our runners and medal winners.
Being woken up in the small hours of Saturday morning by very heavy rain did nothing to reduce my anxiety as a race organiser but thankfully the rain disappeared for the race itself. Runners are generally a hardy bunch (as are nature lovers!) so we were fairly confident that the weather wouldn't put people off anyway. It made the riverbank sections for both the 5k and 10k races the trickiest portions of the run, but cross country races wouldn't be complete without a bit of mud! The different routes take in some great scenery, with the 10k runners getting the extra privilege of going off the beaten track and 'beyond the barriers'. The runners enjoyed views into the reedbeds, views over the river and into Norfolk and also views into some of our grazing marshes. Lead runner and eventual winner of the 10k Martin Ineson even got time to appreciate a Cetti's warbler that called out as he ran past.
Reports from the runners as they crossed the line were that the courses were challenging but fun, with beautiful scenery. Further comments were that it was well signposted with friendly marshals and an overall fun and friendly vibe, which was great to hear! Local running club the Brandon Fern Hoppers turned out in force as they did last year and it was great to see them back. It was also really great to see the team spirit as they all stayed at the finish line until their final runner came through, giving full support to their fellow runners.
Dave was one of the aforementioned friendly marshals and was positioned right down near Botany Bay, where the 10k runners got onto the riverbank. He had views of the runners snaking through the reserve and also of the water station, where volunteer Roy was ready and waiting to quench the thirst of the competitors at the halfway point. Here are some photos from Dave's vantage point:
Photo credit: All Dave Rogers - runners clockwise from top left: Martin Ineson (Ely Runners), Lisa Marriott (Ramsey Road Runners), Sarah Green, Amanda Earlam, Will Phillips (Brandon Fern Hoppers) and Charlie Barker (Ely Runners), Claire Mortimer and Christina Baxter (both Hadleigh Hares)
The 5k took in a different route but unfortunately we didn't have a photographer to hand. Once all runners and the three walkers had finished it was time to retire to the visitor centre for homemade cake and a sit down with a hot drink. David got photos of most of our medal winners, posing in front of our fabulous carved bittern:
Photo credit: All David White - clockwise from top left: Glen Norcliffe (2nd 5k man), Alice Rouse (2nd 10k lady) and Craig Rouse, Ben King (1st 5k man) and Jenny Julian (3rd 5k lady), Andrea Connochie (2nd 5k lady), Stewart Docherty and Lisa Stone
Photo credit: All David White - clockwise from top left: Martin Ineson (1st 10k man), Ashley Gimson (2nd 10k man), Richard Jones (3rd 10k man), Samantha Lee (3rd 10k lady) and Nikki Waldron
I think you'll agree that everyone looks tired but happy and pleased with their efforts! As well as handpainted medals for the 1st-3rd men and women over each distance, the 1st place folks also got an extra great prize and each competitor received a goody bag. We were very pleased with our goody bags - which, as well as the standard bottle of water and small chocolate bar, contained a great RSPB bin badge and a small peanut feeder complete with peanuts! Who knows what we'll be giving away next year! Not your usual goody bag contents and that's why the Race for Wildlife is such a good experience - why not take up the challenge in 2014!
The RSPB Lakenheath Fen Race for Wildlife 2013 would not have been possible without the help of our fantastic volunteers, so a huge thank you to Roy, Colin, Phil, Darren, Tony, Denise, Gill and John for helping out on the course and back at the visitor centre. Simon was our first aider for the day (luckily not needed) but thank you for being on hand Simon! A massive thank you also to Emily Knight from local running club Ely Runners, who manned the registration desk and accurately recorded the times at the finish line. Thanks to Suzanne's daughter Emily for helping to paint the fantastic medals and a final thank you to everyone else who made and donated the delicous cakes - they were the perfect reward for our runners AND our volunteers (and the staff!)