Runners race to beat the tide at Hunstanton for the RNLI

Sunday 2 June 2024

Runners raced against the tide on a Norfolk beach to raise funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.

Runners set off on the Beat The Tide run in aid of the RNLI at Hunstanton

Some 180 took part in the Beat The Tide event at Hunstanton on Sunday 2 June.

They slogged it out in the sunshine over 5k and 10k courses along the beach, before being welcomed to the finishing line by Stormy Stan.

Andy Williamson from Pott Row, near King's Lynn, came home first in the 5k.

'It was fairly tough,' he admitted. 'But it was easier than the Great Yarmouth Park Run - anything's easier than that.'

Mike Cooke, who finished first in the 10k, said: 'It was hard work, it's a bit of a struggle going up and down the sand.'

Crew members Elliott Nicol and Stuart Murray also took to their toes for the event, which was organised by West Norfolk council in aid of the RNLI.

Elliott said: 'I got round quicker than I normally do practising - I don't know how.'

Stuart added: 'It was a great run, in good conditions and there was a nice atmosphere, it was really supportive.'

Runners ran around the RNLI hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer, whose crew took a breather from one of their regular Sunday training sorties to provide some encouragement.

Volunteers from the station's souvenir shop also ran a fundraising stall on the Prom.

Editor's notes

Pictures attached from the Beat The Tide event at Hunstanton. Credit: RNLI/Chris Bishop.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of both the founding of a lifeboat service at Hunstanton and the birth of the RNLI, whose work would not be possible without donations from its supporters.

The station operates both an Atlantic 85 fast inshore lifeboat, Spirit of West Norfolk and the search and rescue hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer.

RNLI media contacts

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219, Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641, or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Runners reach the hovercraft Hunstanton Flyer, whose crew were on hand to offer some encouragement

Hunstanton RNLI crew member Elliott Nicol with his medal and Stormy Stan

Hunstanton RNLI crew member Stuart Murray with his medal

Stormy Stan gets set to supervise proceedings with his chequered flag

Joy (left) and Gill on the RNLI souvenir stall at the event

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

Runners race to beat the tide at Hunstanton for the RNLI

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