Why the Breckland 10K still means so much to Sportlink

As the Breckland 10K approaches as the next race in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, it’s a race that carries a deeper meaning for Sportlink.

For owner Neil Featherby, it’s where it all really began.

Back in 1995, Sportlink was just six months old.

Cash was tight, everything was new, and the Breckland 10K was the first race the business ever attended.

But getting there didn’t exactly go to plan.

“We were so cash strapped back then, I had to borrow a friend’s car,” Neil recalls.

“As I pulled out onto Fakenham Road, the boot opened and loads of pairs of ASICS Ultra 50 running shoes spilled out all onto the road.

“Cars behind were dodging the shoes – and me – as I was running around picking them all up.”

With no time to waste, everything was thrown back into the boot – boxes and all.

“I just chucked them back in and had to sort them out when we got there.”

That same day also saw a unique local story unfolding.

Then Radio Norfolk breakfast show host, Jim Cassidy, had been following a six-month journey to get himself race-ready.

At 44 and starting from a low base of fitness, he had committed to the challenge – with Sportlink playing a part along the way.

“Each week Jim came over to Sportlink in Horsford,” Neil said.

“We’d go out for a run as part of his build-up, and then record something afterwards for his breakfast show.”

But even that story had its own twist.

“A recording was done before and after the race – only for Jim to realise when he got home he hadn’t loaded the cassette into the machine,” Neil laughed.

“He did okay in the 10K though.”

While those early days were far from easy, what stands out most is the support the business received – particularly from Thetford AC.

At a time when Sportlink was still finding its feet, the club backed the business and helped it become part of the local running scene.

“I’ll always be grateful to Thetford AC for the support they gave back then,” Neil said. “And it didn’t just stop with that race either.”

Decades on, the Breckland 10K remains a key fixture in the calendar – now firmly part of the Sportlink Grand Prix Series.

For Sportlink, it’s more than just another race; it’s a reminder of where things started.

From borrowed cars and shoes scattered across the road… to becoming a central part of the Norfolk running community.

The series now continues with the Breckland 10K, hosted by Thetford AC – a race that combines history, community and competition.

And for those lining up on the start line, it’s another chance to be part of a story that has been building for nearly 30 years.

Highlights from Monday’s race will be available on Sportlink TV, with the chance to win a pair of OOFOS – so make sure you subscribe to the channel.

Good luck to everyone taking part.

The Breckland 10K has sold out but there are two other 10K races left in the series at the Holt 10K and the Humpty Dumpty 10K.