It’s that time of the year again when athletes from the West Norfolk Athletic Club gather to put their skills to the test in one of the most unique and challenging events of the year. This year’s event was held at the Roarr Dinosaur Park in Norwich, where participants had to navigate a tough course while running past prehistoric creatures. But that was not all – they also had to contend with an unexpected swarm of hornets that added an extra layer of difficulty to the already grueling race. Despite the obstacles, the West Norfolk athletes showed remarkable determination and perseverance, retaining their titles from last year and making their club proud.
The juniors were the first to take to the course, with a 2.5k race that involved two laps and a daunting hill that had to be tackled twice. The young athletes from West Norfolk Athletic Club performed admirably, with James Watts producing a superb run to take overall victory in exactly nine minutes. Olivia Ord was the first female to cross the finish line, completing the course in 9.51 minutes. This meant that the West Norfolk athletes retained both titles for the second consecutive year, a testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft. The junior girls also put in impressive performances, with Lauren Lawrence leading the U10 girls in 11.38 minutes, and Jess Watts coming in second in 12.00 minutes despite suffering a nasty sting from one of the hornets.
The hornet’s nest that was disturbed mid-race proved to be a significant challenge for the young runners, with several of them getting stung. However, they bravely continued to the finish, showing a level of resilience and grit that is inspiring to behold. Dana Bishop, who was competing up an age group, showed great sportsmanship by guiding Chloe Gayton to the line despite multiple stings, with Gayton clocking 14.55 minutes for seventh in the U10s. India Richardson finished third in the U17 girls, while Abe Gosnell completed the course alongside his dad Rob in 15.28 minutes. These young athletes are truly the future of the sport, and their performances at the Roarr Dinosaur Park event are a harbinger of great things to come.
The adults faced an even tougher challenge, with a 5k course that pushed them to their limits. Lewis English shone with a fine third overall in 18.25 minutes, while junior Henry Gosnell was next home in 19.20 minutes. Lee Richardson and Wayne Gayton took second and third, respectively, in their age group, with Rob Gosnell finishing strongly in 24.13 minutes despite suffering from stings. Jess Lawrence ran superbly for third junior girl in 25.31 minutes, and Kelly Watts rounded off the effort by winning her age group in 28.15 minutes. The adults from West Norfolk Athletic Club showed that they still have what it takes to compete at a high level, and their performances were a testament to their endurance and determination.
Away from the Roarr Dinosaur Park, another West Norfolk athlete was making waves in the world of athletics. Evie Clayton starred in Colchester, running a road mile personal best of 6.13 minutes on a hot evening. This impressive performance has propelled her to eighth in the national rankings for 2025, a remarkable achievement that bodes well for her future in the sport. Jacob Green also put in a notable performance, showing that the West Norfolk Athletic Club has a deep pool of talented athletes who are capable of achieving great things. These athletes are an inspiration to their peers and a credit to their club, and their performances are a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a top-level athlete.
In conclusion, the West Norfolk Athletic Club has once again shown that it is a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics. The performances of its athletes at the Roarr Dinosaur Park event and elsewhere are a testament to their skill, determination, and perseverance. From the juniors who bravely navigated the challenging course and the hornet’s nest, to the adults who pushed themselves to their limits, every athlete who participated showed a level of grit and resilience that is inspiring to behold. As the club looks to the future, it is clear that it has a bright talent pool to draw from, and its athletes will continue to make waves in the world of athletics for years to come. With their dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport, the West Norfolk Athletic Club is sure to remain a dominant force in the athletic world, and its athletes will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.
