A final 500 entries have been released for the inaugural Great East Run, which takes place in Ipswich this September.
Update: The extra 500 places have now sold out. See here for the latest.
Demand for the half marathon has been high, with the initial entry limit of 2,500 being reached six months before the event starts.
However, due to the high demand, organisers of the Great East Run, which will take place on Sunday, September 24, are now releasing a final 500 entries.
This will mean that 3,000 people will be able to take on the scenic tour of Suffolk, which includes some of the area’s most iconic sights during the 13.1 mile run.
Philippa Morrow, of the Great Run Company, said: “Due to the overwhelming response of the Great East Run from the public, our race director has been working to increase the capacity by a small number of places for this year’s event.
“We’re excited to be able to announce that this is possible and that the additional 500 places are now available to runners.
“This means that more people will be able to enjoy an amazing day of running in Suffolk and help with our plans to ensure the event can continue to grow in 2018.
“We’re encouraging anyone who is thinking about entering the Great East Run to do so quickly so they don’t miss out.”
The Great Run Company, who also organise the Great North Run, announced that they were adding the Great East Run to their UK-wide series in January, working with local partners to take the already successful Ipswich Half Marathon to the next level.
The event will be staged in partnership with Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich JAFFA Running Club.
It is part of an initiative to help Suffolk County Council’s ambition to be the most active county in England.
The Great East Run will start and finish on Russell Road, taking in the Willis building, designed by Lord Foster, before heading towards the town’s waterfront.
The route then goes past Felaw Maltings on the way out and back along Wherstead Road, where participants will pass twice under the Orwell Bridge.
The route is a far cry from the existing Ipswich Half Marathon, with a flatter route designed to be easier for new runners or for those looking for a personal best.
• To claim one of the final 500 places go to www.greatrun.org/east
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