RNR Risk Assessment V1.2 (August 2025)

Author:

Martin Ive - MA CMIOSH RMaPS DipENV MIEMA / RNR Race Director

Overview:

The course of the Round Norfolk Relay mirrors the county boundary over a distance of 198 miles, divided into 17 unequal stages. The race starts at Lynnsport in Kings Lynn and then, from Hunstanton, follows the coastline through 5 multi terrain stages taking the Norfolk Coastal path as far as Cromer. The 40 miles (4 stages) from Cromer through to Horsey Mill and on to Belton are on the road. By the time the teams reach Belton it is dark.

From Belton, the course turns south-west following main roads for 62 miles (4 stages), all run in darkness. From Feltwell (Stage 14) the four remaining stages covering the last 33 miles are run across the flat Fens. Finally, following the Great Ouse River into King's Lynn through the Tuesday Market Place and then on to the finish at Lynnsport.

Unique in character and concept, the race presents not only a tough physical challenge, but also a test of the organisational prowess of a club. Run over 24 hours, without a break (and carrying a baton), the event is much more than just a normal relay for it requires special preparation, planning and support. A staggered start, based on anticipated finishing times, ensures that teams of similar ability start together, with faster teams chasing. If the stagger works, all teams should finish the race by 9:15am to 10:00am on the Sunday. With the first teams starting at 5:30 am on Saturday this allows for teams running an average of 8mins 40secs per mile throughout the course.

Significant hazards

Vehicle - collision with runners / cyclists on road (day and night)

Medical incident - runner and or cyclist (including lone runner scenario)

Slip trip fall - runner/cyclist (road/offroad)

Those exposed

Runners

Cyclists

Team support crews

Members of the public

Stage changeover crews and marshals

RNR officials (on the course / enforcing Safety Rules)

Risk - acceptable/managed

RNR Committee reviews and amends safety rules annually taking into account previous years race feedback and lessons learnt from any incidents. The race is held under ARC Permit rules and consultation/race approval is sought from:

Police

Local Authority

Local road safety advisory group(s)

Key Risk Controls

Communicated via the RNR website and enforced during the race by RNR officials

www.roundnorfolkrelay.com/safety_rules.php 

Online safety briefing video produced to enhance awareness

www.youtube.com/@sportlinktv/videos 

Page last updated: 6/9/2025