Runners of all abilities are preparing to pound the streets of Ipswich later this month as a popular road race moves to the town’s Waterfront.
For the first time ever, the eagerly-awaited Twilight Races are being split into two events – and the 5k section is taking place next weekend. Organisers decided to separate the 5k and 10k, the latter of which will set off in August, to encourage people of different capabilities to join the town’s growing running community.
Previous events have drawn high-profile athletes – some of whom competed in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games – which has put Ipswich on the map, bosses said.
Next Saturday’s 5k extravaganza will see several waves of participants take in stunning views as they run two laps of the Waterfront.
“It was a big decision for us to split the two events, the 5k and the 10k,” said race director Carl Ashton.
“We have always done them together, but we thought this way we could attract different kinds of runners.
“We felt it was important to give people as many opportunities as possible.
“It is key for us to encourage people who are perhaps a bit more inactive, get them into the running community and perhaps from there they will try other races.
“Both the 5k and 10k are building up a great reputation across the UK, there are runners from the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games taking part and others registering interest, which is great news.
“It’s putting Ipswich on the map.”
Kicking off the event at 1.45pm on Saturday, May 12, is the Daily Mile wave – which will see around 300 schoolchildren lace up their running shoes.
This phase is part of a national initiative, backed by Suffolk County Council, encouraging children to run or jog for 15 minutes every day.
Half an hour later the Most Active County Family wave – which will see parents run with their children – sets off from The Mill.
Teams of three from local businesses are taking part in the ABP Business Challenge from 3pm, while at 4.45pm, the 5k wave begins at Regatta Quay for racers who will take 30 minutes or over to finish.
A second 5k wave for runners completing the distance in 20 to 30 minutes starts at 6pm, and elite athletes finishing under 20 minutes set off at 7pm.
For more information, visit the Twilight Races website.
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