Hundreds of fundraisers and champion runners will take over the streets of Ipswich in a sold-out night of exciting mass participation and elite road races on Friday.

More than 1,200 people have signed up to take part in the second-annual Ipswich Twilight Road Races – around 300 more than last year’s inaugural event.

Former European 10k silver medallist Chris Thompson, who ran last year, Team GB mountain runner and world silver medallist Emma Clayton, and Great Britain runner Adam Hickey are confirmed entrants for the star-studded 5k race, which has over 120 runners.

For the mass participation 10k race, there are around 1,100 entrants. Like last year, participants will start in Rope Walk outside Suffolk New College, run past landmarks including Ipswich Town’s Portman Road stadium, Tower Ramparts and the Buttermarket before finishing at the college.

The Ipswich Building Society event is organised by Ipswich JAFFA Running Club in association with Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk New College. This year’s event is in aid of Inspire Suffolk, which is also next year’s chosen charity.

Race director Carl Ashton, of the Ipswich JAFFA Running Club, said the event is growing in popularity and providing a tourism boost to the town.

He said: “The two races combine to showcase running really well. The 5k is all about the best runners locally and nationally whereas the 10k is aimed at all abilities.

“Last year, large numbers of people came in to the town to watch and we urge members of the public to once again show your support.

“The number of people either taking part or watching brought a real buzz around the town, with runners coming from all over the UK. Many stayed for overnight breaks and took the opportunity to eat or drink in the town, no doubt improving additional income for many town centre businesses.

“Last year we had a number of GB athletes and despite the Olympics starting this week we are really pleased to have attracted a number of runners who have represented their country.”

Each finisher will receive a commemorative t-shirt and goody bag, while the Suffolk School of Samba will again be performing on the Cornhill to give runners an extra boost along the way.

Terry Baxter, chief executive of Inspire Suffolk, said: “We are very grateful to be the chosen charity for the races this year and would like to thank Ipswich Building Society and Ipswich Jaffa.

“We think the Twilight Runs are a great event and very fitting with the work that we do. Thank you to everyone who is running in aid of Inspire Suffolk and the projects that we run, it is a huge support for our charity.

“We are looking forward to being involved in the runs next year too and would love as many runners as possible to run for us.”

For more information about the race, visit http://events.ipswichjaffa.org.uk/twilight/ or follow the event on Twitter by searching for @Ipswich10k.

Reminder to drivers about the following road closures between 6.30pm and 9.30pm for the Twilight 5k and 10k races on Friday. The taxi rank in Lloyds Avenue will remain open as usual.

• Constantine Road – from junctions with Russell Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way

• Sir Alf Ramsey Way – from junctions with Constantine Road and Portman Road

• Portman Road – from junctions with Sir Alf Ramsey Way and Princes Street

• Princes St – from junctions with Portman Road and Queen St

• Civic Drive – from junctions with Elm St and Franciscan Way

• Queen St – from junction with Princes St and Buttermarket

• Buttermarket – entire length

• Upper Brook St – from junctions with Buttermarket and Tavern St

• Tavern St – entire length

• Cornhill – entire length

• Westgate St – from junctions with Tavern St and Museum St

• Grey Friars Road – from junctions with Bridge St and Franciscan Way

• Franciscan Way – entire length

• Wolsey St – entire length

• Cecilia St – entire length

• New Cardinal St – from junctions with Cecilia St and Chalon St

• Chalon St – entire length

• Tower Ramparts – from junctions with Peel St and High St

• Providence Lane – entire length

• High Street – from junctions with Tower Ramparts and Westgate St

• Museum St – entire length

• Friars St – entire length

• Falcon St – entire length

• Dogs Head St – entire length

• Tacket St – entire length

• Orwell Place – entire length

• Eagle St – entire length

• Waterworks St – entire length

• Rope Walk – entire length

• Grimwade St – from junctions with Rope Walk and St Helens St

• Regent St – entire length

• Dove St – entire length

• Silent St – entire length

• St Nicholas St – from junctions with Silent St and St Peter’s St

• St Peter’s St – from junctions with St Nicholas St and Rose Lane

• Cutler St – entire length

• Old Cattlemarket – from junctions with Falcon St and Dogs Head St

• Milner St – from junctions with Rope Walk and Oxford Road

Meanwhile, the Ipswich Waterfront Celebration this weekend features street entertainment, live music, three food and craft markets and chef demonstrations.

Fun fair rides, circus skills workshops, science experiments, a mobile farm, refreshments and a finale firework display on Sunday evening will also take place along the Waterfront; from Pizza Express to Orwell Quay (Cult Cafe).

The free event runs from 10am to 9pm on both days.

The Ipswich Waterfront Celebration is being held in alternate years with the Ipswich Maritime Festival.