Runners race Hunstanton tide for the RNLI

Some 100 took part in the Beat the Tide race along the shore at Hunstanton on Sunday 8 June.

The start of the race was delayed by an hour, as a strong wind slowed the ebbing tide.

But as the beach finally reappeared Jess Pearce, events co-ordinator, with race organisers the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, gave competitors the go-ahead.

'We've raised a good amount of money so thanks for taking part,' she said. 'And good luck everyone.'

Stormy Stan led the warm-up before proceedings got under way.

Participants included North West Norfolk MP James Wild, who is a keen runner.

'As we head into the summer, it's more important than ever to support the RNLI and the amazing work they do,' he said before heading for the starting line.

Runners could opt for a 5K or 10K run, with the leaders of the shorter distance arriving back at the finishing line in less than 25 minutes.

First home was Andy Williamson, who also won last year's race, with a time of 22:06.

'It was harder this year,' he said after getting his breath back. 'It was much muddier.'

Second across the line in the 5K and winning female over the distance was Bethany Willox, with a time of 23:06.

'It was harder than last year,' she said. 'It was rough but it was lovely.'

Hunstanton RNLI crew member Elliott Nicol came home in 27:06.

'It was a bit windier than last year and there was a lot of mud,' he said. 'A lot of mud.'

Mr Wild, who arrived shortly afterwards with a time of 28:42, said: 'It was tough, a lot tougher than I thought it would be.'

Steve Claxton, who was first to finish in the 10K in 43:50, said: 'It was really hard because of the wind today.

'You'd sink in a bit of mud and get hit by a gust of it, but it was great fun.'

Olivia Bramley, the first female to finish the 10K in 53:53, admitted: 'I didn't read the description before I came - I didn't realise it was going to be in the sea.'

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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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.