Entries for the 2019 Perkins Great Eastern Run are now open (Monday February 11), with over 1,000 people having already pre-registered for the popular half marathon.
The event, perfect for personal best running times, takes place on Sunday, October 13 and with demand for places traditionally high, would-be runners are urged to sign up soon to avoid missing out.
Richard Graves, Marketing Promotions Manager for principal sponsors Perkins, said: “This event is a real highlight of Peterborough’s calendar so it is no wonder that pre-registrations have once again passed the 1,000 mark.
“Perkins is proud to continue to be part of this event as it brings people together, not just the thousands of runners, many of whom are raising money for causes close to their hearts, but also all those who volunteer their time to ensure the event is a huge success.”
Councillor Steve Allen, the city council’s cabinet member for recreation, said: “Last year’s event saw over 4,000 half marathon runners take part in very wet and windy conditions, but despite this, it was a great success with a fantastic atmosphere all around the course. Hundreds of participants raised money for worthy causes, particular those taking part in the Anna’s Hope Fun Run, which saw more than 1,000 entrants.
“Although this year’s event may seem a long time away, demand for places is always high and anyone taking part will want to train properly in advance, so we always advise booking your place early to avoid disappointment.
“Whether you’ve run the race before, or this will be your first ever half marathon, we hope to see you on the start line of the Perkins Great Eastern Run this October.”
The Perkins Great Eastern Run is famed for its fast, flat course that gives runners an excellent chance of a personal best.
Last year, the course was clocked as the eighth fastest in the UK for men and fourth fastest for women, with eight of the top ten men recording personal best times and the top six finishing women all recording personal bests.
During 2018, ten men beat a time of 63.60 in six UK races – one of which was the Perkins Great Eastern Run. Similarly, ten women beat 73.30 in six UK races, with one in Peterborough.
Last year’s winner Lucian Allison was the 28th fastest runner in all UK marathons and Amy Clement, the first woman across the line, was the 15th fastest UK runner.
This year will see the winning prize rise from £750 to £1,000.
To register interest for this year’s PGER please go to www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk.
If you have a story to share about why you are running this year’s event please contact perkinsgreateasternrun@peterborough.gov.uk