RUNNERS are today going through final preparations for the first half marathon to be held in Ipswich for more than 20 years.The inaugural Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon gets underway tomorrow with nearly 1000 runners set to cross the start line.
RUNNERS are today going through final preparations for the first half marathon to be held in Ipswich for more than 20 years.
The inaugural Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon gets underway tomorrow with nearly 1000 runners set to cross the start line.
Spectators are expected to play an important role and organisers are encouraging people to turn out and support those running.
There will be plenty of room for friends and families to line the 13.1 mile course as it snakes through Ipswich, taking in the town centre and Christchurch Park.
Runners will set off at 9am from Northgate Sports Centre, in Sidegate Lane West, aiming to stake a place on the winner's rostrum at 11am.
St Elizabeth Hospice and Team Ipswich Sports Foundation are the two nominated charities and will be supporting the organisers on the day.
Judy Terry, arts chief at Ipswich Borough Council, said, “This is a new and very exciting addition to the sporting calendar in Ipswich and Suffolk and we are very grateful to all the runners who will be supporting two such worthy causes.”
Catherine Barnes, corporate account officer for St Elizabeth Hospice, said, “We wish all those taking part the best of luck and hope as many people as possible will come down and watch the race and cheer the runners on.”
St Elizabeth Hospice volunteers will be helping out on the day and a collection is due to take place during and after the race.
The half marathon is being jointly organised by Team Ipswich and Ipswich JAFFA running club.
Larking Gowen chartered accountants and business advisors are the race sponsors through to and including 2012.
n. Do you think the marathon is good for the town? Write to Your Letters Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
For further information
www.ipswichhalfmarathon.co.uk
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