In October more than 5,000 runners (and walkers) of all abilities and ages will take to Peterborough’s streets for the Perkins Great Eastern Run
Some will be running the 13.1 mile half marathon and others taking part in the 5km Fun Run or Junior Challenge. But one’s thing for sure: they’ll be united in what always proves to be a fantastic day of running.
Six years ago, the Perkins Great Eastern Run returned to the racing calendar – and was an instant success. More than 4,000 runners raced through the flat streets of Peterborough, supported by thousands of spectators along the course cheering everyone on. Since then, the race has gone from strength to strength and the 2012 event, which takes place on Sunday October 14th, promises to be every bit as special.
There has been a 45 per cent increase in entries to the Perkins Great Eastern Run this year. This is compared to figures for the same time last year. Over 1,600 people have already entered the half marathon.
One of the reasons behind the rise is the large number of new entrants taking part in the 2012 race. Organisers have received over 900 entries from competitors that will be taking part for the first time. The rise in popularity is in part down to the race’s improved status for 2012.
The race was rated as one of the top ten half marathons in the UK last year and was awarded runbritain Grand Prix status. The series is run over five races and has a combined prize fund of more than £55,000. The Perkins Great Eastern Run will be the final race of the 2012 series.
This year will also see a change to the course with entrants starting and finishing on the city’s Embankment.
Annette Joyce, Race Director at Peterborough City Council said:
This could be the biggest Perkins Great Eastern Run ever. A new course and runbritain Grand Prix status has led to the added interest in what is already a great event for the city. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of sponsors backing the race with Barclays, Virgin Active and Marriott Hotels coming on board this year.
Meanwhile, more than 50 people attended the first of the free training events being held to get people fit and ready between now and race day for the Perkins Great Eastern Run.
The event was held at the Peterborough Athletics Track and was led by experienced runners and coaches from local running clubs. This was overseen by Tim Cook of Werrington Joggers.
The sessions are suitable for people of all levels of fitness and experience. From just starting out to those who have been running for years. Runners are split into groups that reflect their ability ensuring they get the most out the sessions.
The training sessions are held every two weeks and the next one takes place on Wednesday 8 August at Peterborough Athletic Track off Bishops Road. There is no need to book so just come along and train with others of a similar ability, in a no pressure environment. The sessions start at 7pm with a warm up and last for around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on ability and there are non-intimidating groups for all levels.
Runners are also given advice on their training away from the fortnightly sessions. There are also people on hand to give advice on the correct running shoes, injury prevention and nutrition. As well as this there is also help available with training plans with a suitable level of intensity and the correct methods for warming up and warming down after training and the half marathon itself.
Tim Cook from Werrington Joggers said he’d been very encouraged by the turn-out “We’ve already heard that entry numbers are up this year, so we’re expecting bumper numbers at the athletic track every fortnight. The next session takes place just before the start of the London 2012 Olympics so hopefully that will inspire even more people to come down and take part.”
For more information about the Perkins Great Eastern Run 2012, to enter and to keep up to date with all the latest race news and training tips, visit www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk or call (01733) 452336.
There has been a 45 per cent increase in entries to the Perkins Great Eastern Run this year. This is compared to figures for the same time last year. Over 1,600 people have already entered the half marathon.
Runners are also given advice on their training away from the fortnightly sessions. There are also people on hand to give advice on the correct running shoes, injury prevention and nutrition. As well as this there is also help available with training plans with a suitable level of intensity and the correct methods for warming up and warming down after training and the half marathon itself.
