Drip, drip, drop little April Showers!

At 07.50hrs on a bleak Sunday morning, 3 hardy GoodGymers arrived at the Norfolk Showground for marshalling duties at Norwich Half Marathon. Having been given our high viz jackets, lunchbox, and orders to assemble at 9am for a briefing, we were given refreshments. The mist was still low as we made our way to the minibus to take us to the 3 mile point which was the 1st water station for runners. 14 of us, organised by a very nice man leading us (can’t remember his name, sorry) who’s done this for 15 years, set up the tables, cups, water etc. I’ll look at water stations on my next race with different eyes, I’ve always appreciated these guys but NEVER realised the work that had to happen, and how tired your arms get holding out cups in a well drilled way so runners can grap a cup on their merry way . Beks and I had a little jog down the lane whilst we waited for the first runners through. Just in time because as we returned the heavens opened and it rained, and rained and rained heavily and steadily for 30minutes + runners coming through now soaked to the skin as were we. When the last runner came through we packed up, tidying up so you wouldn’t know we’d been, and taken back to the Showground just as the winner crossed the line. Elizabeth, Tasha, Beks were then able to cheer our wonderful Goodgymers through the finish. We returned to our cars, I made Beks sit on a blanket on the passenger seat as I did driving we were SO wet through. Despite the cold and wet it was a wonderful experience thoroughly worth while to see fellow runners “enjoying” a half marathon and being able to help in a small, meaningful way. Also being there early realising just what a mammoth task it is to put on such an event. Without volunteers and dedicated people at the top, these events wouldn’t happen. Thank you Leanne for telling us about this in the beginning and please do thank all those at The Air Ambulance.