Hughes to sponsor big Norfolk relay road race

Hughes Electrical is set to sponsor a unique sporting event this month.

Round Norfolk Relay (RNR), which takes place on 18 and 19 September, is a road race which attracts around 1,000 runners who cover nearly 200 miles in 24 hours, starting and finishing in King’s Lynn.

Now in its 34th year, the RNR sees the course divided into 17 stages, following the county boundary of Norfolk. It heads along the North Norfolk Coast taking in Hunstanton, Wells and Cromer before heading to Great Yarmouth. It then turns inland for the night stages, continuing to Bungay, Thetford and Downham Market before finishing back in King’s Lynn.

Talking about being the headline sponsor for 2021, Hughes chairman, Robert Hughes, said the company is at the very heart of the local communities in which it operates, “so it seems the perfect time to sponsor such an inspiring event”.

He added: “As a business we celebrate our 100th anniversary this year and have stores in many of the locations the RNR passes.

“Over the past eight years I have either run in the event, or supported others. Tackling one of the night stages has always been the highlight of my running year, as it is for many others who enjoy the unique camaraderie.”

Malcolm Tuff, also from Hughes, who has taken part in previous events, said: “Running one of the closing stages can be very special, with the sun rising and birds singing. Apart from the London Marathon the RNR is the most exciting race of the year.”

Around 60 teams take part and the runners, usually an equal number of men and women, are matched by volunteers including marshals, time keepers and support crews. Stages range between five and 20 miles, with top teams completing the course in under 20 hours.