The Great East Run is just six months away and reaching capacity – with less than 500 places remaining for the big race this Autumn.
Entries to the half marathon, which debuted in Ipswich last year, have been in huge demand with thousands already signed up to take on the challenge.
But despite organisers announcing in January that they were increasing the entry limit to 3,500, 90% of places have already been filled.
Philippa Morrow, from the Great Run Company, said: “Thousands of runners and spectators soaked up the electric atmosphere that made the event so memorable last year and we’re delighted to have received an even bigger demand for entries in 2018.
“If you want to experience a running event in Suffolk like no other, we’d encourage you to sign up now to avoid disappointment as places are extremely limited.”
The Simplyhealth Great East Run replaced the successful Ipswich Half Marathon in 2017 and is being put on in partnership with Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich JAFFA Running Club.
Thousands are set to take on the 13.1 mile course on Sunday, September 16.
Runners will head off from Russell Road before heading towards the waterfront and out towards Freston, passing under the Orwell Bridge where huge crowds are expected to be waiting to cheer them on.
They will then head back into town, passing the finishing line at Ipswich Town Football Club.
Last year, runners raised around £1 million for good causes with the event further contributing around £4.5 million to the local economy as part of Suffolk County Council’s Most Active County Programme.
Councillor Tony Goldson, cabinet member for health at Suffolk County Council said: “After the resounding success of the 2017 Simplyhealth Great East Run, it is no great surprise that demand for places in this year’s event is so high and already looks like selling out.
“High profile sporting events are a key feature of Suffolk’s most active county programme and with data recently released by Sport England showing positive reductions in the number of inactive residents in the county over the past 12 months they are clearly having the desired effect.”
To sign up to the event see here.
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