On the 11th of September, 16 teams of local businesses across Norfolk took part in a challenge racing across Norfolk with no transport, no tech and no maps. Raising a fantastic £7,000 for the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation.
Teams were dropped 12 miles from the base location of the Nu Image studio, who arranged the whole day. The top team Arkscape Landscaping ran the full distance, accompanied by Timmy the Border Collie, making it back in 2 hours 36 mins. Taking second and third place were the KLM Engineering team and Breakwater IT who also ran and jogged the distance.
Emily Smith, Director and Head of Digital, said: “Everybody was buzzing for the entire day, myself included. It was electric from start to finish and that’s a real credit to everyone involved. From the teams throwing themselves into it, to the surprisingly professional set up and tracking, to the support from local businesses, friends and family who stepped up and helped to make it happen, to the brilliant responses we received on our social updates where people were following along. My favourite part was seeing everyone come together and cheer on the teams as they crossed over the line, bearing in mind there were 3 hours between the first and last teams getting back, everyone got a cheer with most teams sticking around for the full thing. To see everyone discuss their routes and tactics was just extremely joyful. Raising over £7,000 for the Community Sports Foundation is an incredible result, it means a lot to me, and it’s thanks to every business and person that took part and supported the event.”
As well as the fundraising efforts online for the challenge, the team at Nu Image put on a hugely successful raffle, adding over £900 to the final total. Money that will go towards the Community Sports Foundation’s initiative to drive inclusivity, boost mental health and empower disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Norfolk.
Ian Howes, Founder and Creative Director said: “Race to Base came from wanting to build on our signature annual fundraisers by opening this up to local businesses with an idea that would get them away from their desks and doing something good together. Taking away the phones and maps meant teams had to rely on each other, and that’s where the best stories from the day came from. The Community Sports Foundation does so much for people across Norfolk, especially those who don’t always get the chance to take part in sport, so it means a lot to support them. Huge congratulations to Arkscape Landscaping, and to Timmy the dog, who might be the fastest team member of the day.”
The day was a big success, with teams making it back throughout the afternoon to much applause and a bucket of Bucket List chips at the end to spur them on. Teams who made it back, family and friends, were able to watch the other teams progress via the tracking system we mirrored on our TV screens, seeing who was making the most headway throughout the day.
The raffle saw some amazing prizes, kindly donated from businesses across Norfolk, including signed and framed captain armbands from Norwich City Football Club, Sealskin ski and winterwear bundles, Norfolk Local Wine School vouchers, Norwich Theatre Panto tickets, Book Hive vouchers and lots more.
The best news from the day? That so many teams are ready to do it all again in 2027.
So, Race to Base will be returning next year, with more teams taking on the challenge to raise money for a worthy cause.
Register your interest to get involved here: https://www.nuimage.co.uk/nu-image-race-to-base-fundraiser/