Keen runners and cyclists will be able to take on ultra-marathon distances in a new Run or Cycle Challenge near Ipswich.

The off-road races on Saturday, November 9 will include part of the 3.5km course at the popular Foxhall Stadium, which is also home to the Ipswich Witches speedway team.

Individuals and teams can run or cycle around the 45.5km route - or do both to take on the ultra-marathon distance, facing a variety of surfaces such as grass, woodland and gravel whilst being cheered on by crowds. Entries are now open at the event website.

Greg Cooper, ROC Events director, said: "It's a really big deal that they will get to run on the Foxhall Stadium track as it's so famous and has held great motor sports events, so it's a real privilege to be able to do that."

Clubs who enter teams will face no limit on the number of entries and will have the freedom to choose how many laps the individual team member completes. There are also hefty discounts for clubs with high entry numbers.

Running club Kesgrave Kruisers has helped to plan the event and will be entering a big team on the day.

Mr Cooper said: "They are really great people who have been so helpful, because they offer great support to people of all abilities from new runners all the way up to advanced runners."

For any participant who suffers a knock or is in need of a respite, there will be a multitude of trade stalls with services such as massage and soft tissue treatment on hand.

The event is family friendly by offering an off-road cycle challenge specifically designed for kids and hosted by Spokeworx, an Ipswich-based cycling shop.

Mr Cooper added: "Our partner, Spokeworx, will have a stand and will be offering repairs. They will also be offering bikes for people to test and kids can come and try them out if they want to give it a go."

To create a fun atmosphere, teams have been offered the chance to set up their own gazebos alongside the course to give as much support as possible for family and friends competing.

For spectators, the stadium canteen will be open and serving meals such as fish and chips, filled jacket potatoes or vegan options. The bar opens at noon.

The cycling time trial begins at 10am and the running time trial at 2pm, with the final cut off for runners at 7.30pm that evening.

Looking forward to the future, ROC Events are planning to re-staging the Pier-2-Pier challenge which took place on Saturday, June 29 on 52miles along stunning coastal paths and cyclists on 59 miles of road, as well as making this a series.

They are also planning a 'first light' event in the works with East Suffolk Council and a ROC 24-hour challenge.

To enter, visit this website.