Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon: Course, Route Profile & Map
The Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon starts and finishes at the Norfolk Showground on the western edge of Norwich and runs on fully closed tarmac roads through the surrounding villages. The course is mostly flat; the work lies in two dips in the second half and the way back up to the showground.
Course & Elevation
Start and finish are on the Norfolk Showground site in Costessey. The first ten kilometres run on a plateau between 42 and 56 metres with almost no noticeable gradient. Then the route drops into a first dip to just under 30 metres and climbs back at kilometre 12 over a little more than 400 metres, the only ramp with any weight to it.
After kilometre 15 comes the second and deeper dip to about 20 metres before the course gradually climbs back to showground level between kilometres 17 and 20. That long, gentle rise in the last quarter is the part you feel in your legs.
The organiser, Good Running Events, took the race over from its former organisers, City of Norwich AC, and laid out the route together with the showground. It is run under UK Athletics rules on a measured course, entirely on tarmac and on closed roads, with a firm 3:30 time limit. In 2027 the race moves from November to April.
Pacing Strategy
The first ten kilometres are flat and fast, and that is exactly the trap. Run them at goal pace and no quicker, because the second half is noticeably more rolling.
The ramp at kilometre 12 is short. Take it on effort, let the pace ease a little and recover it calmly at the top. The drop into the second dip after kilometre 15 is a chance to gain time without extra effort.
The decisive part is the long, gentle rise between kilometres 17 and 20. It is never steep, but it lasts three kilometres and comes when your legs are tired. Holding your pace there gains you the most time over the final kilometres to the showground.
Training plan for Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon: 12-week build
For most age-group runners the half takes between 1:45 and 2:30. The course is quick enough for a good time but asks for strength in the last quarter on a long, shallow climb.
The base is long runs of 16 to 20 kilometres and tempo runs at goal half-marathon pace. Plan some of these so that the last three to four kilometres rise gently, so you learn to hold pace on a long climb with tired legs.
Short hill repeats of 300 to 400 metres prepare you for the ramp at kilometre 12 without much climbing in training. More important than steepness is getting straight back into rhythm after a rise.
With the move to April, the build-up falls in winter and early spring. Train in wind and cool weather as well, and test your race kit in those conditions.
Course Map
Profile Parameters
Slope Distribution
Climbs on Route
| Start (km) | Length | Ø Gradient | Max Gradient | Elev Gain | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM 12.3 | 0.4 km | 3.6% | 6.5% | +14m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
Course as GPX
Download the Half Marathon course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Adaptive race preparation
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon?
Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon is 21.1 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon have?
Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon has around 123 m of elevation gain over 21.1 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon?
Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon is classified as Flat, averaging 5.7 vertical metres per kilometre. 65% of the route is flat, 17% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 0% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon have?
The hardest climb of Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon starts at kilometre 12.3, runs for 0.4 km at an average of 3.6% and gains 14 metres.
Is Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon a loop course?
Yes, Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon course?
Yes. The Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon?
Preparation for Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon should account for 21.1 km, 123 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon?
The pacing strategy for Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon should reflect 21.1 km, 123 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon 2027 take place?
Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon 2027 takes place on April 4, 2027.
Where does Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon 2027 take place?
Larking Gowen Norwich Half Marathon 2027 takes place in Norwich, United Kingdom.
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