Organisers of the inaugural Great East Run in Suffolk say they “can’t believe it’ after an extra 500 places made available this morning sold out.
There had already been high demand for the half marathon. The initial entry limit of 2,500, which is expected to include world-class athletes, was reached six months before the event, which takes place on September 24.
The 13.1 mile largely flat and fast route starts and ends in Ipswich’s town centre, taking in the Shotley Peninsula.
On Facebook this evening, the Great East Run posted: “We can’t believe it! The 500 additional entries have once again sold out - entries have now closed for the second time, see you on the start line Suffolk.”
Organisers said they put on an extra 500 places due to high demand. A total of 3,000 runners will now take on the half marathon, which replaces the annual Ipswich Half Marathon but maintains the support and organisation from Ipswich JAFFA Running Club, Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council.
The event could be worth millions of pounds to the local economy and aims to emulate the Great South Run, which started off in a similar vein in 1990. It now has 25,000 runners and was won by Sir Mo Farah in the early stages of his career in 2009.
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