Race Across Norfolk: The Ultimate Outdoor Challenge
Do you think you could navigate your way across Norfolk without social media, GPS or internet?
We live in a society that is becoming increasingly digital, with many of us living so much of our lives behind a screen.
I don’t know about you, but I am starting to make more conscious decisions to disconnect myself from technology – whether this is reading a book in the evening instead of ‘doomscrolling’ or not turning my phone on as soon as I open my eyes!
But could you take it to the next level and give up your technology for a weekend and roam our county? Do you really know Norfolk, or are you relying too much on your phone?
On 26th and 27th September, 12 teams will embark on a journey across Norfolk to help raise funds for Thrive Autism and Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club in Race Across Norfolk.
The teams will have no access to the internet, smartphones or GPS – only a basic mobile phone for emergencies and an OS map.
Next time you’re walking down the street, take a moment to look around you. I can imagine that most people around you are glued to their phones or wearing headphones – disconnected from their surroundings. This event will encourage teams to connect with nature and those around them, a stark reminder of the importance of human interaction.
Across both days, the pairs must get to several checkpoints before reaching the finish (all with a strict £50 budget!).
The event is inspired by the BBC Race Across the World and will see the explorers test their adaptability, ability to make decisions under pressure and resilience.
Ahead of their adventures, the teams attended a Sponsors and Team launch event.
The event, which was hosted by Insight Finance, gave the daring explorers a taste of the journey ahead of them and celebrated the individuals and businesses behind the incredible event.
Guests were also surprised with two special guests – Caroline and Tom Bridge, the winners of BBC Race Across the World 2025 (as a fan of the show, it was fair to say I was starstruck!).
It was inspirational hearing their stories from their extraordinary journey – it was clear the challenges they faced helped strengthen their mother-and-son relationship and resilience.
Caroline and Tom’s talk highlighted the importance of trying new adventures, stepping out of your comfort zone and human connection. While I won’t be taking on an adventure as grand as theirs anytime soon (!), Caroline and Tom’s messages truly left a mark with me and made me reflect – do we value connection via technology more than human connection in our society?
Caroline and Tom said: “It was a real privilege to spend the evening with everyone at Thrive Autism and Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club.
“Meeting so many passionate volunteers and supporters reminded us that the greatest journeys aren’t always the ones across continents, they’re the ones made by communities coming together to make a lasting difference. We hope our story encourages others to step outside their comfort zone and support the incredible work these organisations are doing.”
It truly was an inspirational evening, demonstrating how vital the partnership between Thrive Autism and Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club is in continuing to support autistic people, their families and global community initiatives.
Colin Lang MBE, Chairman of Thrive Autism, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Caroline and Tom for giving their time and sharing such an inspiring story. Their warmth, honesty and determination resonated with everyone in the room.
“Events like this are only possible because of the continued generosity of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers, and we’re delighted to have celebrated alongside our friends at Norwich Blackfriars Rotary Club, whose commitment to supporting local communities mirrors our own.”
To show your support to the fantastic work of Thrive Autism, you can head to their website - https://thrive-autism.org/donate/
And, to keep up to date with this fantastic event, you can head to Race Across Norfolk’s Instagram (@race.acrossnorfolk)!
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