Worstead 5: Everything you need to know

The Worstead 5 – race 10 in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, takes place on Friday night.

Hosted by North Norfolk Beach Runners, the popular summer evening race offers five miles of country lane racing, a village festival atmosphere and another important round in the Sportlink GP Series.

Here is everything runners need to know.

The race takes place in the village of Worstead, with Race HQ based in the grounds of Queen Elizabeth Hall Community Centre.

The postcode for parking is NR28 9SD. Please follow the signs and marshal instructions on the day.

The race starts at 7pm.

Free car parking is available, with the car park opening from approximately 5.30pm.

Please consider car sharing where possible.

Public transport is also an option, with trains running from Norwich to Worstead station on the Cromer/Sheringham line.

Race HQ is approximately 0.8 miles from Worstead station.

The best timed train from Norwich is the 17:41, arriving at Worstead at 18:02. Return options are 20:31 or 22:35.

That also makes the train a good option for anyone planning to enjoy a Wildcraft beer after the race.

Timetable information is available via the Greater Anglia website.

Race HQ will open from approximately 5.30pm and close promptly at 6.40pm.

Bibs will have been posted in advance, but if yours has not arrived, or you forget it on the night, please go to the North Norfolk Beach Runners gazebo and they will be able to sort a new number.

Toilets will be located close to registration.

Clubs are welcome to bring gazebos and set them up in the Festival arena as a place to gather and store kit.

Please attach your race number securely to the front of your vest and make sure it is clearly visible.

It is also important that you complete the medical and emergency contact details on the back of your number.

There will be a mandatory race briefing at the front of Race HQ at 6.45pm.

After the briefing, runners will be led to the start line in an orderly fashion.

New for this year, race numbers have been assigned from 1 to 800 in order of predicted finish time.

Runners will be instructed to make their way to the start in batches of 200, with lower numbers lining up towards the front. This is designed to help reduce congestion in the start area and during the narrow early section of the race.

Headphones

No headphones are permitted for this race.

This includes bone conduction headphones.

Although bone conduction headphones are approved by England Athletics, they will not be allowed at the Worstead 5M because the race takes place on roads which are not closed to traffic.

Runners must remain vigilant and listen carefully to marshal instructions throughout the race.

The race starts in the village square and is almost entirely on country lanes.

The finish is on grass for just over 100 metres.

The roads will not be traffic free, so runners should remain aware of traffic and follow all marshal instructions.

There will be a water station on the course which runners will pass twice, at approximately 1.5 miles and 3.5 miles.

There will also be one bottle of water available per runner at the finish.

As this is a summer race, runners are encouraged to think carefully about hydration and bring additional water if needed.

When you cross the finish line, please do not stop immediately. Continue through the short finish funnel to collect your water and medal, and keep the area behind the finish line clear.

On event van at Worstead

The On event van will be at the Worstead 5M, giving runners the chance to try on – and race in – three of On’s top-tier shoes.

The shoes available to test will be:

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LightSpray
A highly cushioned, lively shoe with an extremely lightweight LightSpray upper. It is designed to feel protective underfoot while still offering a fast, stripped-back feel.

On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper
A cushioned and responsive shoe that can work well for steady running, longer efforts, tempo runs and runners who like plenty of comfort without the shoe feeling heavy.

On Cloudboom Strike LightSpray
The out-and-out racing option. This is a light, fast shoe designed for runners who want a sharper race-day feel when chasing a strong performance.

On reps Harrison and Sammy will also be at the event to answer questions and help runners understand which shoe may suit them best.

There will also be two On goodie bags available as on-the-spot prizes on the night.

Sportlink will also be at Worstead, with Adie on the event stall for any last-minute items runners may need before the race.

Whether you need gels, socks, accessories or race-day essentials, make sure you visit the Sportlink stall before the start.

Sportlink TV will also be at the Worstead 5M capturing the action, atmosphere and runner stories from race 10 of the Sportlink Grand Prix Series.

The highlights package will include another competition, with runners able to win a pair of On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper LightSpray.

To be in with a chance, make sure you subscribe to Sportlink TV and watch the highlights video after the race.

Several food vendors will be on site for runners and spectators, adding to the evening atmosphere around the race and village festival.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers.

The prizes are:

• First place: £50
• Second place: £30
• Third place: £20

Prizes will also be awarded for first, second and third in the age categories, from junior and senior through to 80+ in five-year age bands.

There will also be a mixed team prize for registered clubs, based on the cumulative time of the first two male and first two female runners.

All finishers will receive a medal.

The Worstead 5M is race 10 in the Sportlink Grand Prix Series, hosted by North Norfolk Beach Runners.

Good luck to everyone racing.

The Sportlink Grand Prix Series is supported by Sportlink, a Norwich-based running store run by runners for runners, offering expert gait analysis, specialist running shoes and trusted advice for runners across Norfolk.