Added: 5 February 2018
Ipswich Jaffa Running Club Launch New Format for Ipswich Twilight Races
Ipswich Jaffa Running Club is making changes to the format of the Ipswich Building Society Twilight Road Races, to build on the success of the event and give all abilities the opportunity to participate in the races.
First held in 2015, this year the 10k race will remain a mass participation run to beat the sunset, open to runners of all levels and abilities and will take place on Friday 3 August 2018. The race will start and finish outside Suffolk New College on Rope Walk, with participants taking in many of Ipswich’s iconic buildings such as the Willis building and Giles Circus.
The changes planned will transform the 5k race into an afternoon of athletics on Ipswich Waterfront. This event will happen on Saturday 12 May 2018, where a series of races will take place leading up to the Ipswich Building Society’s Twilight 5k Elite race, starting at 7pm.
Carl Ashton, Race Director, Ipswich Jaffa Running Club said “Splitting the Twilight 10k and 5k opens up many opportunities. We’ve listened to feedback from runners and stakeholders over the last three years and this format provides more opportunities for individuals whilst reducing the impact of road closures. We shall be introducing a Daily Mile for children, a family 2km run and a 5km business challenge alongside three Twilight 5km run heats based on ability. This gives everyone the chance to take part.” The proposed schedule of races is as follows:
Proposed Schedule of Races, Saturday 12 May:
1:45pm Daily Mile
2:15pm Most Active County (MAC) Family 2km Run
3pm ABP Business Challenge (5km)
4pm Q & A session with one of the invited guests – Approx. 30 minute session with one of the invited athletes in a lecture theatre in University of Suffolk.
5pm 30min and over Run – 5km run for those expecting to take over 30 minutes. Time limit of 45 minutes to be applied to allow course to be cleared for 6pm wave.
6pm 20min to 30min Run – 5km run for those expecting to take between 20 and 30 minutes. Time limit of 45 minutes to be applied to allow course to be cleared for 6pm wave.
7pm Ipswich Building Society Elite 5k Race Start – 5km run for those who can complete the course in under 20 mins, male and female. Limited spaces available for this race.
Commenting on the changes, Richard Norrington, CEO of event title sponsors Ipswich Building Society said “We are excited that these changes to the format of the Twilight 10k and 5k races will give more people the opportunity to participate. The races are an annual highlight among the Suffolk running community and this year, we look forward to seeing people of all ages and from all abilities taking part.”
The changes have support from Suffolk County Council. Tony Goldson, Cabinet Member for Health said: “It’s great for Ipswich and Suffolk to see these events developing in this way and I have no doubt that the change in format will help to attract even greater numbers to participate. These events make a very positive contribution to Suffolk’s ambition to become the most active county in England and Suffolk County Council is delighted to be a supporting partner”
Entries for the 5k will open on 14 February. Further details on both events can be found on the official website at: www.ipswichtwilightraces.com