The first Great East Run has reached its capacity six months before the starting pistol sounds.

Organisers of the event, a 13.1 mile run in Ipswich on Sunday September 24, have seen a massive demand for entries and have now reached the initial entry target after just three months of registration.

A total of 2,500 people are set to lace up their running shoes and hit the course, which is set to give runners a scenic tour of Suffolk including some of the county’s most stunning sights.

But don’t despair - organisers are hoping to increase the number of entrants by another 500 places in the next few weeks.

The Great Run Company announced the addition of the Great East Run to their UK-wide series in January, working to take on the already successful Ipswich Half Marathon to the next level.

Philippa Morrow, of the Great Run Company, said: “The response to the Great East Run has been overwhelming and we’re excited to have reached our initial target so quickly.

“As there is clearly a demand for a new half-marathon event in the region, the Race Director is looking to increase the capacity by a small number of places for this years’ event.

“We’re hoping to release an additional 500 places in the next couple of weeks.”

The event, staged in partnership with Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich JAFFA Running Club, is part of an initiative to push the County Council’s ambition to be the most active county in England.

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