Whilst September signifies the beginning of autumn, for many a runner it also means the end of several weeks of hard training as they wind down for one of the September and autumn marathons either here in the UK or overseas. 

However, here in Norfolk, September also means that it is the Round Norfolk Relay, now in its 37th year and will take place next weekend (September 14/15) starting and finishing at Lynnsport in King’s Lynn. 

A near 200-mile course which follows the county boundary over two days whilst taking in the Norfolk Coastal Footpath with night stages on the road through the Waveney Valley, Breckland and the Fens to add to the excitement and exclusivity of this super event. 

I can still remember sitting with Ryston Runners Peter Duhig, Ian Vaughan Arbuckle and Bob Hancock in late 1986 when they were telling me about their plans to launch a relay run round the county the following year in the hope that in time it would grow into a premier event within Norfolk. I think it is fair to say that their vision all those years ago was spot on. 

From just a single club effort in the first year followed by the invitation to other clubs to join them during the next few years to the huge event which it now is. And not just for clubs based here in the county - signified by the fact that 60 teams (17 runners in each team) are entered for this year’s race. 

Apart from the 1,000 plus athletes taking part, there is also the support crews following their own runners along with all the marshals. 

This year the relay has partnered with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) as its preferred charity. To make this extra special, the EAAA are also entering a team of their own which will include several health professionals ie doctors and paramedics along with some guest runners drawn from a mixture of clubs within the county such as the City of Norwich AC, Tri Anglia, Norwich Road Runners, Dereham Runners, Wymondham AC and the Norfolk Trail Runners, jointly captained by the EAAA’s CEO and keen runner Matthew Jones along with James Nice with hopes of finishing in 27 hours. 

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Round Norfolk Relay for their support,” said Matthew. “I have been lucky enough to participate in this wonderfully mad and inspiring event on several occasions and am now absolutely delighted that it will not only raise awareness of EAAA’s life saving work, but also help generate vital funds to keep our specialist doctors and critical care paramedics in the air and on the road.” 

I don’t think anyone would disagree that this is a great choice when it comes this year’s charity partner and whilst we all have a pretty good idea about the workings of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, when speaking to James Nice he further enlightened me to not only the amazing work which the EAAA do but how the charity operates two helicopters from Norwich and Cambridge as well as rapid response vehicles 24 hours a day for 365 days of the year via specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots who all bring their advanced skills, equipment and medicine to seriously ill people across our region. 

“I regularly see first-hand the incredible work the air ambulance does what with having been a paramedic at the East of England Ambulance Trust for almost 20 years, so when asked to run for the EAAA team in what has always been one of my favourite events of the running calendar each year, it was something I just could not say no to,” James said. “At a cost of around £3,750 for every call out, we just could not do this without the amazing support we get from businesses and the people of East Anglia, especially as we receive no government funding.”  

Also among those running for the EAAA team this year is Conac’s running EAAA doctor Nick Marriage and paramedic Juliette Watkinson who of course is currently one of Norfolk’s leading female athletes and current Peddars Way Ultra record holder what with having covered the 48 miles in a very fast 6 hours and 35 mins. I must also mention that Juliette will additionally be running a leg for her official club Wymondham AC too. However, and for those who know her well, this won’t surprise them one bit. 

Leaving James (Nice) with the last words for my column this week and very poignant words at that: “This year participants will also be remembering Darryl Davis, who experienced an acute cardiac arrest within sight of the finish of his leg at Cley next the Sea in 2014. Despite the best efforts of attending paramedics and the air ambulance, Darryl failed to regain consciousness. To mark the 10th anniversary of his passing, in celebration of both the relay and Daryl’s achievements with CoNAC and Tri Anglia, his widow Kerry and children will be hosting the Stage 7 changeover at Mundesley.” 

The EAAA team support vehicle will be highly visible on race weekend and equipped with a collection bucket and card reader for donations. Or of course, you can donate via their dedicated JustGiving here.