A grand effort by runners in King's Lynn gives charities a cash boost

The streets of King’s Lynn were a riot of colour today as thousands of runners turned out for the 14th running of the Asda Foundation Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR).

A host of deserving good causes handed a cash boost thanks to the efforts of all those who took part.

There was a fantastic atmosphere as hugely-supportive crowds cheered the runners around the route, which featured the town centre, River Ouse pathway, The Walks and a number of historic buildings including Red Mount, the Custom House and Greyfriars Tower.

First across the finish line was Adrian Mussett in a time of 32mins 46secs. James O'Neill took second place in 33mins 32secs with Kieron Brady third in 33mins 34secs.

Kathryn Mathias was the first woman home in 38mins 45secs followed by Rebecca Sharpe who clocked 39mins 51secs for second spot and Fenella Sunaway who took third in 40mins 45secs.

Molly Hunt was the first female wheelchair finisher through the finish line with Peter Downing the first male wheelchair finisher.

There was plenty of friendly rivalry in the Bespak GEAR 10K Corporate Challenge in which teams battled to be crowned fastest team in the race. The results will be announced soon.

Also popular was the Bespak Mini GEAR - a 1.2-mile fun run for people of all ages and abilities, with every finisher receiving a Mini GEAR medal and a goody bag to show off their achievements.

Keyvan Djamarani, Bespak Managing Director, said “We are delighted to see the great response the race has received this year and to see the Mini GEAR go from strength to strength.  The whole event helps to encourage more people, especially young people, into taking up running as part of healthy lifestyle.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, head of events at Run For All, which organises the event in partnership with Alive Leisure and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, said: “We are delighted with the success of today’s GEAR’s 10K. It was wonderful to see so many runners and spectators turning out for an event that supports the work of some great causes.

“We are particularly grateful to the excellent voluntary groups of Eventeers who gave up their time to ensure everyone enjoyed a safe run.”

Mandy Rivett, Co-ordinator of the Asda Foundation said: “The way people across East Anglia get behind this event is a joy to see. We are delighted to be associated with it and congratulations must go to everyone – runners, supporters and volunteers – who came together to make it such a success.

The event’s partner charities were the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, West Norfolk Mind, The Purfleet Trust, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, Forward, the Benjamin Foundation, Headway, Theresa’s Tiny Treasures and Nelson’s Journey.

It was supported by Asda Foundation, King’s Lynn Borough Council, Alive Leisure, Bespak, Your Local Paper, Lynn News, KLFM, Arla Protein, Runderwear, Motorpoint, High 5, Sportlink, Just Giving and Marathon Photos.