Great East Run
From L-R Harvey Harris (Suffolk Artlink student), Patrick Parker (Suffolk Artlink student), Cllr Michael Ladd (Chairman of Suffolk County Council), Wendy Rees (Suffolk Artlink Student), Charlie Meyer (Suffolk Artlink Project Officer)

As the Chairman of Suffolk County Council’s chosen charity this year, Suffolk Artlink has been given 10 free places for this year’s sold out event to give away to runners who take on the half marathon in aid of the charity on 16th September this year.

Runners are being asked to raise a minimum of £200 for Suffolk Artlink, a charity which develops and delivers inclusive arts programmes which aim to help people transform their lives through the arts.

Those who enter will join 3,500 participants on 16th September, who will line up on Russell Road for the 13.1-mile course, taking them through Ipswich town centre, the waterfront, and the Shotley Peninsula.

Now in its second year, the Simplyhealth Great East Run offered an additional 500 places this year, which sold out 5 months ahead of the event.

Cllr Michael Ladd, Chairman of Suffolk County Council, said: “I am very pleased to be working with Suffolk Artlink this year as my nominated charity. They undertake some fantastic work across the county with all ages and sectors.

“Together we have already come up with some fantastic fundraising ideas for the year ahead and as part of our support we are offering 10 free places for the Great East Run.

“The event is now sold out, so this is your chance to bag one of the last remaining places. All you need to do is commit to raising a minimum of £200 for Suffolk Artlink.”

More than £1million was raised for good causes by runners who took part in the Simplyhealth Great East Run last year.

Those who would like to take part should apply at www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/greateastrun by Friday 24th August. For all of the most up-to-date event information, visit: Greatrun.org/East

Alex Casey, Suffolk Artlink Co-Director, said: “By taking on the Great East Run in support of Suffolk Artlink you will be helping to bring skills, support networks, confidence and joy to your local communities.”

Information about Suffolk Artlink:

Suffolk Artlink is a participatory arts charity. We develop and deliver inclusive arts programmes in communities that bring skills, support networks, confidence and joy to people in the East.  Our creative projects aim to help people transform their lives through the arts, and are delivered in places including community centres, hospitals and hospices, residential homes, refuges and schools. 

Route details:

The Simplyhealth Great East Run course follows a scenic route that is suitable for runners of all abilities.

Starting and finishing on Russell Road, runners pass the prestigious Willis building designed by Lord Foster before heading through the beautiful Holywells Park and travelling down to Ipswich’s vibrant waterfront.

The route then passes Felaw Maltings on the way out and back along Wherstead Road, where participants will see Fox’s Marina, Suffolk Food Hall and go twice under the iconic Orwell Bridge into Freston.

On returning to the town centre, runners will head towards Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road stadium, passing the statues of two football legends, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey, before crossing the finish line in the stadium’s practice pitch and being welcomed by hundreds of supporters in the stands.