RUNNERS in the resort are celebrating today after it emerged a new road race will be launched in the town – two years after the Felixstowe Half Marathon was axed.

Bosses at the Felixstowe Road Runners group have discussed potential new races ever since the half marathon, which The Star fought to save, had to be cancelled in 2011 because of police safety concerns.

It did not return last year but after months of discussions, the Road Runners have now announced a 10 mile race along the seafront will take place in September.

Richard Farnworth, chairman of the club, said all the safety requirements for the event have now been met and they hope about 400 people will take part in the inaugural race.

Mr Farnworth said: “Lots of people say once you lose a race it is hard to get it back again so I think we have all done really well.

“We are going to keep it along the seafront as that is a big attraction and hopefully it will attract more people back into Felixstowe again.

“It will definitely go ahead.”

Police said the 25-year-old half marathon could not run in 2011 because the 500 expected participants would been crossing live and busy roads.

But the new race, called the Coastal 10, will start near the pier and the route will then take runners along the prom towards the viewing point area before they double back on themselves and head towards Felixstowe Ferry.

After reaching Felixstowe Ferry, the race will then end near the pier.

The half marathon used to attract hundreds of people from across the UK and Europe and many of them were raising funds for good causes.

Mr Farnworth added: ““It’s marvellous. It is good for the club and it is good for the charities we donate to.

“It really is great that we can get these races back on track again and help out deserving causes.”

The Coastal 10 will take place on Sunday, September 29