The Sportlink Grand Prix Series will return in 2026 with a refreshed structure designed around what runners say they want most: flexibility, inclusivity, and a meaningful test across the racing calendar.
For the new season, the Grand Prix will encompass 12 races with a runner’s best 8 results counting towards their final score. Crucially, there is no minimum race requirement – meaning runners can compete for awards without having to complete a set number of events.
The 10K Series will not be continuing in 2026.
The GP series opens at its traditional starting point, the Reedham Ten on January 18, with entries already available via Total Race Timing. It will conclude on August 23 at the Dereham 10 Mile, completing a competitive, multi-distance tour of Norfolk’s best road races.
Open to all runners
The Sportlink Grand Prix Series remains fully inclusive:
• Members of Athletics Norfolk–affiliated clubs
• Members of clubs not affiliated to Athletics Norfolk
• Unattached runners
All are welcome to race, score points, and compete for age-group honours.
How the scoring works
At each Grand Prix event:
• Age-group winners score 100 points
• Second place scores 99 points
• And so on, decreasing by 1 point.
In the event of a tie, the lowest combined time across shared races determines the final position.
A return to what runners asked for
Athletics Norfolk Road Running Race Committee chairman Andrew Thomas said: “We tried something last year which didn’t quite work, so we listened to runners to give them the Grand Prix they wanted.
“A new 12-race series starting at the Reedham 10 miler in January and finishing at the Dereham 10 miler in August.
“Runners don’t need to complete a minimum number of races this time and only their best 8 count.
“I’m really looking forward to the multi-distance opportunities this offers and continuing with our fantastic partnership with Sportlink, who will be doing a few more giveaways, competitions and pre-race interviews to get everyone in the mood.”
Sportlink continues its longstanding support
Sportlink owner Neil Featherby added: “We are not only proud to once again sponsor the Grand Prix Series, but also incredibly proud to have been part of the Norfolk running community since opening exactly 31 years ago.
“We intend to continue this partnership and are now looking forward to the 2026 Grand Prix, where we have new ideas and plans to help make next year’s series the best one yet.”
2026 SPORTLINK GRAND PRIX SERIES – FIXTURE LIST
January 18 – Reedham Ten
March 8 – Mike Groves 10K
March 22 – Wymondham 20
April 15 – Great Yarmouth 5M Series (Race 1)
May 4 – Breckland 10K
May 10 – Aylsham 10K
May 17 – Fighter 5K
May 24 – Holt 10K
June 7 – Humpty Dumpty 10K
July 24 – Worstead 5M
August 9 – Great Yarmouth Half Marathon
August 23 – Dereham 10M