Hundreds of supporters lined the streets of Ipswich tonight to cheer on runners as they crossed the finish line of the third annual Twilight Road Races.
Record crowds have turned out to help friends and family through the gruelling 5k and 10k races which take participants on a scenic tour of Ipswich.
Organisers have hailed the sold-out event a “huge success” – it is their biggest ever despite only being in its third year.
More than 1,500 runners signed up for the 10k community race which race director Carl Ashton said brings everyone together.
“The feedback for tonight has been really positive,” he said.
“It’s only in its third year and we have sold out this year, it’s by far our biggest event and so many runners tonight have smashed their personal bests which is amazing.
“It’s a great feeling to host something like this which is actually attracting people nationally – we’ve got a fast course here which is drawing more people in.
Tonight has been a huge success and it’s thanks to the hard work of everyone here. These races also celebrate Ipswich and Suffolk and brings people together – I haven’t been out much but from what I have seen there’s a lot of community spirit.”
First to cross the finish line in the 5k elite race was Luke Caldwell who managed to complete the race in 14 minutes and 20 seconds.
Jake Shelley placed second with 14 minutes and 23 seconds while Kieran Clements came in third for the men 14 minutes and 28 seconds.
Emelia Gorecka was the first woman to cross the line in 15 minutes and 40 seconds while Gemma Steel came second with a time of 16 minutes and 2 seconds.
Ipswich Jaffa runner Helen Davies managed a new personal best of 16 minutes and 23 seconds.
For the 10k race Benjamin Carpendale came first with a time of 34 minutes and 19 seconds, Danny Rock was second with 34 minutes and 34 seconds while Kurtis Swan was third with 34 minutes and 35 seconds.
Megan Newton was the first woman to cross the line for the 10k with a time of 36 minutes and 22 seconds, Odette Robson was close behind with 37 minutes and 21 seconds while Lucy Lanham was third with 37 minutes and 36 seconds.
Gary Taylor, 32, took part in the 5k run.
Although he said he was worried about coming last, he managed his personal best of 17.5 minutes.
He is also currently training for the Ipswich half marathon.
He said: “I don’t know I run, I think it’s just the simplicity of it and it’s a natural thing to do. There’s a natural competition.
“I run up and down throughout the year.
“I think I take part in these events because of the competition and to measure myself against other people. It pushes you.”
Emily Foster was watching her brother, Michael Foster, 31, run the 10k.
She said: “He’s run marathons before and he runs most weeks. We go quite a lot to watch him. It’s the atmosphere and everything coming together and promoting the benefits of running [that make the event so great].”
Gary Taylor, 32, took part in the 5K.
Although he said he was worried about coming last, he managed his personal best of 17.5 minutes. He is also currently training for the Ipswich half marathon.
He said: “I don’t know I run, I think it’s just the simplicity of it and it’s a natural thing to do.
“There’s a natural competition. I run up and down throughout the year.
“I think I take part in these events because of the competition and to measure myself against other people. It pushes you.”
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