Recipharm GEAR 10K returns to King’s Lynn

The streets of King’s Lynn came alive today as fun-runners, fundraisers and club runners crossed the finish line at the Recipharm GEAR 10K and Recipharm Mini GEAR, a 1.9km family fun run.

Some came for a personal challenge, a few hoped to win and others simply aimed to get around the 10K course, but all helped make the day a brilliant success, with thousands of pounds raised for local and national charities. 

There was a fantastic atmosphere as spectators and volunteers lined the streets to cheer runners along the route, which featured the town centre, River Ouse pathway, The Walks and a number of historic buildings including Red Mount and the Custom House.

First across the finish line for the Recipharm GEAR 10K was Adrian Mussett in a time of 32:06. Michael Eccles took second place in 32:14 with Mitchell Bunn taking third place in 33:32. 

Laura Thomas was the first female across the finish line in 36:20 followed by Lucy Mapp who clocked 36:35 for second spot and Amy Beck who took third in 36:52.

There was plenty of friendly rivalry in the Recipharm GEAR 10K Corporate Challenge in which teams battled to be crowned fastest team in the race. The results for this challenge will be announced soon.

Also popular was the Recipharm Mini GEAR - a 1.9km fun run for children and their families. Schools from across the region came together to take part on the day, with Recipharm offering 150 free entries to local schools to increase participation.

As one of the region’s most popular charity road runs, the event is expected to generate a huge cash boost for local charities including the event partner charities: The Benjamin Foundation, The Purfleet Trust, Norfolk and Waveney Mind, Churches Together in King’s Lynn, 8:56 Foundation, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, Forward King’s Lynn, East Anglian Air Ambulance and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Head of Events at Run For All, which organises the event in partnership with Alive and King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, said: “This was our first 10K of the 2022 season and what a way to kick it off. The sun was shining and the enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants themselves to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a fantastic success. It was brilliant to see so many people, of all ages and abilities, crossing the finish line today.”

The Recipharm GEAR 10K forms part of the hugely successful Run For All series, which includes events in Ipswich, Leeds, York, Derby, Nottingham, Burnley, Hull, Middlesbrough, King’s Lynn, Bury and the Yorkshire Dales.

Tim Drew, Vice President HR at Recipharm’s King’s Lynn Site, the title sponsor of the event said “It’s an honour for us to sponsor this event.  To see such fantastic participation across all age and ability groups, as well as the outstanding support from the local community to provide encouragement to the participants fills us with immense pride. We truly believe that it is vital that we have an active involvement in supporting activities such as this in the communities where our people live and work.  This has been a brilliant day to be part of and we hope everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

The Recipharm GEAR 10K is supported by Recipharm, Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Alive West Norfolk, Water In A Box, go puff, Coopah, Radio West Norfolk, Up & Running, Your Local Paper, Lynn News, High 5, Arla Protein and Marathon Photos Live.

Entries for the 2023 Recipharm GEAR 10K and Recipharm Mini GEAR will open soon. To register your interest