Some say they still haven't received a confirmation email more than 24 hours after paying for a ticket.

Hundreds more people were left disappointed after trying to sign up to the 10k race minutes after entries opened but failed to nab a spot.

More than 8,000 runners can take part in the event but it sold out within 28 minutes of registration opening on March 5 at 9am.

Run Norwich 2025 (Image: Community Sports Foundation)

Run Norwich is an annual race organised by the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, and the entry fee costs up to £34. 

One person, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I think the booking system is disgraceful and very poorly organised.

"I have paid for a spot and still have not received confirmation of my ticket 24 hours later.

“The organisers knew 20 minutes after tickets went live that there was an issue with the booking system.

Run Norwich 2025 (Image: Community Sports Foundation)

“They continued to allow people to register when those who had already paid did not have places.

“They should have stopped sales immediately.

"Emails have been sent out, which state people will be refunded, so that indicates that Run Norwich do not have spaces left."

Anthony Hughes, who participated last year, said: “I went onto the official website at 8.59am.

“I tried to pay using Apple Pay but when verifying the payment, the site froze and the payment screen just kept spinning.

Anthony Hughes (Image: Submitted)

“After a second try my payment went through.

“I saw lots of Facebook posts about errors, systems crashing, payments doubling up.

“To make it fair they should have a system where you're placed in a queue based on when you click register, then you have 15 mins or you lose your spot.

“That way, those who tried to get tickets at opening times but have an issue with the system crashing don't miss out.

“Each year, the site is struggling more, the demand is higher, and the system doesn't seem to cope."

CERTAIN PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE 'PRIORITY'

Steven Rix, who has participated in the event nine times, said: “I’m absolutely devastated.

"I didn’t manage to get a place, I have never missed a race.

Steven Rix (Image: Submitted)

Steven Rix, who lives in Dereham (Image: Submitted)

“This year would have been my 10th.

“I was online at 9am but couldn’t get a spot.

“I thought they would show a bit of loyalty to those who have supported the event from the very beginning.

“Last year, they featured me in their online magazine and interviewed me.

“I think they should maybe let ever presents have a priority before the mass entry."

Steven Rix did not get a spot despite being interviewed by the organisers for running nine times last year (Image: Submitted)

A spokeswoman from Community Sports Foundation said: "We have had lots of positive comments over the last 24 hours.

"We were overwhelmed with people trying to sign up to the race.

"Some people are still waiting for their email confirmations to come through.

"We are in the process of contacting people who have been affected.

"Some people have been impacted by a pending payment.

"This will be rectified over the weekend.

"Thousands of people were able to book and we understand it is frustrating for those who couldn't.

"We are delighted to be raising funds for Community Sports Foundation and would urge people to keep an eye on our Run Norwich Community Facebook group as transfer tickets may become available."

© Eastern Daily Press