Over 3,500 Take To Ipswich For Great East Run

The reminder service for the 2019 Simplyhealth Great East Run is now open. Visit Greatrun.org/East and sign up to be the first to know when the date of next year’s event is announced and when entries open.

Thousands of runners conquered their own challenge in Ipswich and its picturesque surroundings on Sunday for the Simplyhealth Great East Run.

With an increased entry limit, over 3,500 participants of all abilities took on a great day of sport in Suffolk by taking part in the sold-out half marathon event.

The 13.1 mile course offered participants a scenic route around Ipswich town centre, as well as taking in some of the county’s most iconic sights.

Fun runners and charity fundraisers were joined by a competitive club runner field, which featured some of the best runners from around East Anglia.

The event’s honorary starters, Ipswich Town FC’s Kerion Dyer, marathon runner Lily Partridge and Councillor James Reeder, Cabinet Member for Health at Suffolk County Council set off the fast paced runners and masses at 10.00am.

In the men’s race, Henry Pearce from Tonbridge AC, finished first in a time of 1:06:02, ahead of Andrew Rooke from Framlingham Flyers who crossed the line in 1:07:31.

They were followed by Ipswich Triathlon Club’s James Reeder in third with a time of 1:14:19. Ipswich Jaffa Running Club’s Helen Davies took first place in the women’s field in a time of 1:17:10 followed by Daisy Glover from Newmarket Joggers in 1:19:14 and Rebecca Smith in third in 1:32:45.

The event, which sold out within months of opening for the second year running, started outside Suffolk County Council’s Head of Office on Russell Road.

Runners passed the prestigious Willis building designed by Lord Foster before heading towards the town’s vibrant waterfront and through Holywells Park.

The route then travelled past Felaw Maltings on the way out and back along Wherstead Road, under the iconic Orwell Bridge.

On returning to Ipswich town centre, participants crossed the finish line on the practice pitch inside Ipswich Town’s Portman Road Stadium.

Nigel Gough, from organisers The Great Run Company, said: “It’s been a fantastic day at the Simplyhealth Great East Run and we’d like to say a huge congratulations to the thousands of people who took part.

“We would also like to say a big thank you to our key local partners who have helped to deliver a fantastic event and the hundreds of local volunteers who gave the runners an unforgettable running experience.

“We saw unprecedented demand for the Simplyhealth Great East Run this year and I would encourage anyone who wishes to enter the 2019 event to do so as soon as it opens to avoid missing out!”

The event was staged in partnership with Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and the Ipswich JAFFA Running Club.

The event is part of Suffolk’s ambition to become England’s most active county.

Councillor James Reeder, Cabinet Member for Health at Suffolk County Council, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone that took part in today’s event, whilst also taking this opportunity to thank all the partners that made it such a success for Ipswich and Suffolk.

“You only have to see the sense of achievement felt by those who crossed the finish line and completed their challenge to understand the impact and contribution that events such as these can have on health and wellbeing.

“Suffolk is continuing to develop its reputation for hosting high profile events of this nature which also make a positive contribution to the local economy and tourism sector.”

Caroline Sharp, Head of Communications at Simplyhealth said: “It was great to be back in Ipswich for what was a very warm Simplyhealth Great East Run.

“We were supporting runners every step of the way with our stretch and massage zones. Congratulations to everyone who achieved something amazing today. We’re already looking forward to being back next year!”

The Simplyhealth Great East Run joined the Great Run series in 2017, following many successful years as the Ipswich Half Marathon, ran by Ipswich JAFFA Running Club.

The reminder service for the 2019 Simplyhealth Great East Run is now open. Visit Greatrun.org/East and sign up to be the first to know when the date of next year’s event is announced and when entries open.