THE countdown is on for the Wymondham New Year's Day 10k run - and for Mercury-sponsored runner Jane Jiggens!As we have reported, Jane has been supported by Norwich sports store Pilch and organisers Wymondham Athletics Club, who are helping her to tackle the six-mile challenge for the first time.

THE countdown is on for the Wymondham New Year's Day 10k run - and for Mercury-sponsored runner Jane Jiggens!

As we have reported, Jane has been supported by Norwich sports store Pilch and organisers Wymondham Athletics Club, who are helping her to tackle the six-mile challenge for the first time.

This week she won praise from the club's running experts for her dedication to the challenge. Karl Chapman said: “Jane has shown determination and commit-ment in her preparation, and I am confident she will do well on the big day.

“She has had ups and downs but has dealt with these well, and after the race is over she will be able to reflect on her achievement as a valued club member.”

He said Jane had been consistent in her training even when it had been hard to fit it in with other commit-ments. Jane's fitness and confidence had grown over the weeks, with support from members at the athletics club on Monday club nights as well as from friends at work.

Jane said she was still apprehensive, and busy times at work and appalling weather had got in the way of training, but she added: “I have enjoyed it, and I am going to carry on.”

The Pilch-sponsored 10k starts at 11am and is sure to blow a few cobwebs away after the festive celebrations.

There are always many reasons for people doing the race, from those wishing to compete in the first race of the Runners Centre Grand Prix to those who just want to get out in the fresh air with others.

Many runners also travel from elsewhere in the country to visit relatives over the festive period and enter the race to burn off those mince pies and the turkey.

Entries are still being taken. Download a form from www.wymondhamac.org or enter online via www.

runnersworld.co.uk. Postal entries must be in by Sunday, and online entries will close on December 30. On the day, entries will be allowed if the race limit is not reached beforehand. Look out for updates on the club website.

Pilch will be at the race HQ on the day offering a range of running goods and advice for competitors.