Great Yarmouth is about to witness a trial run for what is hoped will be an annual 10-kilometre run to be called the East Coast Run.

Great Yarmouth Road Runners will be welcoming 300 competitors from around the country on Sunday August 12 to take part in the race, which will start in the Market Place and take in the seafront and heritage sites.

“Most of the entrants are representing clubs from all over the UK, but we will also welcome local runners who can enter on the day,” said Jeff Helmore of Great Yarmouth Road Runners.

“The standard of entry is very high and we are hoping for some good race times.”

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is monitoring the race as it hopes to make it part of an annual cultural event which will see food, arts and entertainment playing a part in the celebration.

“We know that the Road Runners are hoping for a good turnout from the public, not only to cheer on the runners but there will be some entertainment on the Market Place this year including a Sunday and farmers’ market and a charity fun afternoon,” said the Council’s Culture Sport and Leisure Manager, Marie Hartley.

“This is quite literally a trial run as far as we are concerned and we like it to be an even bigger event next year when the Borough celebrates its 800^th birthday.

The race will be started at 10am in the Market Place by the Mayor Councillor Paul Garrod. It will follow a route down Priory Plain, around thee Market Place to Market Gates, through Regent Road and along the Broadway on Marine Parade as far as the harbour mouth.

The return leg will be via South Quay, the back of the Town Hall into Regent Street, then King Street past Christchurch and back to the starting point in the Market Place.

Residents and visitors are asked to note that the police will be stopping traffic in the area of the race just while the competitors pass through, but the town centre and seafront will not be closed to traffic on the day for any length of time.

Competitors have been allocated the Fullers Hill car park, which will be closed to the public from 9am to 11.30am, parking on the Market Place will also be affected.

King Street and Palmers car parks will be open as normal.

When the race is completed, the Mayor will be presenting medals and prizes to individual and team winners.

To learn more about entering the race call Jeff Helmore on 01493 302896, or download an entry form on