Lynn GEARed up to deliver another epic 10k event

The sun didn’t shine, but King’s Lynn was left blown away by another special GEAR on Sunday.Head wind made for a brutal final 2k down the riverbank back into town, but few runners and spectators were left without smiles thanks to a great turnout.More than 2,500 runners tackled the town’s annual 10k race and were cheered on by crowds that were plenty of people deep through key spectating points.The feeling of support, community, camaraderie and runners helping each other achieving their goals was strong as a wave of love washed over the course.Somehow, there were still personal bests aplenty among some of the elite runners despite the blustery conditions.But so many stories on the day were less about times and more about remarkable achievements.People taking on the distance for the first time or returning to the race 10 years before they last completed it. Friends, family, colleagues and team-mates going out of their way to support each other. That overwhelming sense of pride only grew when hundreds of youngsters took on Mini GEAR, the 1.9k race, afterwards. Many of the next generation were accompanied by their parents and learned first-hand about how achievements can be earned through hard work.The sound of clapping was still ringing around town as participants retired to pubs to toast their efforts.And it’s impossible not to be left feeling inspired seeing so many people giving their all after months of training or proudly waving home-made posters on the sidelines. Tears flowed – and not always for the right reasons. But the reflections and learnings will go on for weeks and months to come.On a personal level, I underperformed as I toed a start line for the first time in 18 months. The shouts around town genuinely kept me going as I blew up hard, and early, and struggled for what felt like 80k and not 8k. My time of 35 minutes and 32 seconds was at least 30 seconds from my aim but still good enough for 21st. It’s what I do from here that matters for me now as I continue to figure out where my running journey is taking me. But I won’t be alone.Many people will have used GEAR for a springboard to races later in the year or to continue their own journey. For others, their trainers will now collect dust until the streets are lined again next year.Ultimately, running mirrors the ups and downs in life. The battles you win with your own self stand you in good stead to tackle what the world throws at us.Running will never be for everyone. But more and more people, especially women, are seeing the benefits.It really is for all and Sunday was the living embodiment of that. Roll on next year!Bryan Gunn and Rob Newman rolled back the years to deliver a fine performance on Friday night.The Norwich City legends didn’t don their boots but were on a big stage, this time at Northwold Sports and Social Club, to talk about their careers before, during and after playing for the Canaries.They had punters in hysterics as they shared hilarious tales about one of the most iconic spells in the club’s history. But there was plenty of silence too as they opened up about the more difficult side of the game and their spells in management. Gunn spoke about his son Angus’ exit from Carrow Road while Newman mused that City are in a transitional period with Jack Wilshere looking likely to become full-time manager.The pair were kind with their time but also provided a signed goalkeeping shirt from Angus. With two people bidding on the item, they donated another and with Bryan signing both too, helped raise £500 for Tapping House, the club’s chosen charity.It was the eighth sporting chat night I’ve been involved with at Northwold, and the first in association with Sporting Knights.Special surprise video messages from Jeremy Goss and Darren Eadie put the cherry on top of the icing on a great night that was sponsored by Bryan Cater Chimney Sweeps and John Gooch Electrical. Keep an eye on the club’s Facebook page to see what’s coming up next.They do loads of excellent events, including many that don’t involve listening to me on a stage.It wasn’t just the streets of King’s Lynn that were lined with watching masses on Sunday.More than 700 spectators packed the home of Downham Town to see the club’s first team win their play-off final against Walsham-le-Willows and secure promotion to Step Four of the non-League pyramid. Next season the club will be playing at the highest level in its history. It’s a remarkable achievement for a club that, for a number of years, struggled in the lower reaches of its Step Six division. But the growth on and off the pitch under the management of Dale Stokes has taken Town to never-seen-before levels.He, and a tireless committee including people like George Dickson, deserve as many plaudits as the players on the pitch for their achievements.Their success comes hot on the heels of the town’s cricket outfit, Downham Stow, also moving their way up to the best level they’ve also played at.Not content with making history, they currently sit top of the early-season East Anglian Premier League standings with three wins from three in 2025. Moving up any sporting pyramid is difficult but momentum really counts for plenty and it’s great to see Downham using it to put down a marker for the campaign to come.It’ll also help if they endure a little downturn in form – which wouldn’t be a huge surprise given they’re new-boys to the division.Stokes and co won’t have to look far for inspiration on how to hit the ground running at a new level.For now they can continue celebrating while they wait to see what division the FA will put them in for 2025/26.