The AEPG Great Eastern Run 2024

This much-loved Peterborough event will be returning in October – and it’s not just for running and fitness fans. The AEPG Great Eastern Run includes fun runs, the opportunity to get involved as a steward, or to simply enjoy as a spectator. We talked to Aaron Murrell, the race’s Director, to find out more...

The AEPG Great Eastern Run is so much looked forward to in Peterborough, it’s become quite a landmark event. Can people expect more of what they love this year?
We’re still offering the half-marathon, and we also have the Anna’s Hope 5k Fun Run. Some new, local charities will be coming on board this year, and we’re pleased to announce that we’re forming a partnership with local active charity, Living Sport. This Cambridgeshire-based charity does a lot of work in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, and we will be working closely with them to elevate the GER to the next level.

The Light Project is a brand new charity partnership for us this year, focusing on homelessness in Peterborough, and we’re really pleased that all the charities involved last year have signed up again for this year. We’re working on an improved route, taking into account feedback from previous years to enhance the runners’ experience, and we’ll be announcing the 2024 route this year in due course. We know it’s definitely going to involve the Cathedral grounds because that was extremely popular last year.

Can you tell us a bit more about your new partnership with Living Sport? It sounds like a very good fit for the AEPG Great Eastern Run!
They are a local, active organisation that helps get communities moving through their day-to-day activities, using avenues such as schools, workplace health and well-being, and community engagement, particularly in Peterborough. Their values align perfectly with ours, and it is a pleasure to partner with them to encourage as many people as possible – especially those who are not already active runners – to participate in running events, including those who are taking it on for the first time. Our summer sessions, along with the work Living Sport does, are designed to cater to absolute beginners who want to take on their first 5K or half-marathon. By working together, we hope to encourage as many people as possible to participate.

Of course, the event is as much about raising money for good causes as it is about fitness.
Absolutely – Anna’s Hope, the local charity set up to support children suffering from brain tumours – will be our charity partner again for the Fun Run this year, and our other major charity partner is Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

You also have a new title sponsor.
Yes, we’re really pleased to have AEPG on board as title sponsors again this year – and really excited to be working with them again.

One of the nice things about the AEPG Great Eastern Run is people being able to get involved through volunteering, and helping out in other ways.
That’s still very much the case this year – you can come along to marshal, provide help and support along the course, hand out water bottles, or medals and goodies at the end. We’re also offering our free fitness and training courses in the lead-up to the Run, so participants can get ‘match fit’ for the big day. These are going to start at Bushfield Leisure Centre, on 17 July at 7pm, then take place every other Wednesday evening in the lead- up to race day, which will be seven sessions in total.

What can participants expect on the day?
There are a lot of advantages for everyone participating, from the ultra- keen marathon runner to dedicated enthusiasts running for their favourite charity. Benefits include: a medal
at the finish line, chip timing, race pacing, refreshments, closed roads and more.

The AEPG Great Eastern Run will take place on Sunday, 13 October. Visit greateasternrun.co.uk to find one of the many ways you can join in running or supporting the event, and access free training sessions in the lead up to the race.