The Sunrise Ultramarathon follows the majority of The Norfolk Coast Path, which runs for 84 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, travelling through the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This is a stunning journey in its own right but we have added a couple of twists.
Firstly, this event will be run in mid-December. While Norfolk may not seem that remote, when the north winds blow it comes directly from the North Pole, and with the open terrain, conditions could be challenging.
Secondly, the event will be run during the hours of darkness. As the sun sets in the west, you will be set off from the start in Snettisham. How far can you get before the sun rises in the east at 07:58, some 16 hours and 19 minutes later? For the speedier runners amongst you, can you reach the finish 83 miles away by The Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth?
In 2019, we will be running two versions of the event, each limited to fifty competitors.
Sunrise Ultramarathon
Starting at sunset outside the Sailing Club at Snettisham, The Sunrise Ultramarathon first heads north towards Hunstanton. From here it turns eastwards, joining the Norfolk Coast Path, which it follows (with a few diversions for safety and environmental reasons) all the way to the finish 83 miles / 133 kilometres away, at Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth.
Support is provided along the route but is kept to a minimum, to minimise the environmental impact of the race, avoid disturbing locals and to add to the running adventure. A full indoor checkpoint is provided at roughly halfway, in Cley-next-the-sea. Here you will have access to a drop bag and also be provided with warm food and drink.
Additional mobile checkpoints will be provided along the route (exact locations to be confirmed), but these will be limited to water and some snacks. Competitors are therefore expected to be self-sufficient for the majority of the race and should pack accordingly for a winter ultra marathon.
Half Sunrise Ultramarathon
For those that don’t fancy the full Sunrise experience, we will be offering the Half Sunrise. This starts in the pretty village of Cley-next-the-sea and follows the Norfolk Coast Path eastwards, also finishing at Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth, covering a total distance of 45 miles / 72 kilometres.
Succesful completion of either event will provide ITRA points, which can be used as qualifying events for 2020 UTMB entries. Both events will be running under race permit 2642, granted by The TRA and will also run under UKA rules for competition.
Further information, along with entry requirements and our terms and conditions can be found on our race website www.darkside.run.