GET SET… IT’S GO FOR GREAT EASTERN RUN!

Perkins Great Eastern Run launch inspires 200 overnight entries!

Almost 200 runners  entered the Perkins Great Eastern Run within hours of the event’s 2013 launch at the city’s Marriott Hotel.

The momentum of a successful launch event continued throughout the day as runners clicked on to www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk and entered themselves into Peterborough’s Perkins Great Eastern Run, which takes place on Sunday October 13 this year.

ESP reporter Mikey Clarke was at the launch and he’ll be signing up for the event too, running once again to raise money for Arthritis Research UK.

“I’ve taken part in the Great Eastern Run many times in the past but I’ve never taken it too seriously – therefore I’ve never completed it without having to walk now and then. That all changes this year! I promise to finally be one of the runners who finishes in under 2 hours. I will train properly, eat healthier, and even swap a few beers for pints of water. If this all goes to plan, then it will be proof that you can do the run too. If a junk-food addict, couch potato can do it – anyone can.”

Supporters of the race including principal sponsors Perkins and competitors from local running clubs were shown an inspirational film of last year’s race, which attracted a record number of runners with more than 5,500 entries.

Runners also found out about free training sessions and were given advice on choosing the correct running gear for training and race day.

The half marathon and fun run route has remained unchanged from the 2012 course and the race will once again start and finish on the city’s Embankment.

This year’s race is expected to attract some of the UK’s top elite runners who will be challenging for first place. The winner in 2012 was Luka Rotich who crossed the finish line in 62 minutes and 25 seconds, which was just outside the Perkins Great Eastern Run best of 62.16 set two years ago.

The event also attracts hundreds of non-competitive runners who take part in the fun run, which covers a distance of 5km. Young runners are being encouraged to take part in this year’s fun run by taking part in the Junior Challenge.

The junior school, club or organisation that raises the most money for local charity Anna’s Hope will win a team kit from ChromaSport & Trophies worth £500. A television, courtesy of Sainsbury’s, will be won by the junior school, club or organisation that enters the most children.

Sainsbury’s is also donating a Wii game to the boy and girl who raise the most money for Anna’s Hope.

Annette Joyce, Head of Commercial Operations at Peterborough City Council, told ESP – ““The sponsors, partners and runners who attended the launch showed fantastic enthusiasm for the race and the countdown to race day has now officially started. Everyone involved in this year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run is determined to make 2013 the biggest and best ever.”

Perkins Marketing Director, Nigel Baseley added – “The Perkins Great Eastern Run continues to grow in stature every year, with more runners, fundraisers and volunteers than ever before. As well as being a perfect course for the city’s professional runners, the Perkins Great Eastern Run is a wonderful community event which over the last seven years has seen thousands of local people don their trainers and take part, while many more have taken to the streets to cheer on the runners around the course.

“As a business we’re very proud to be associated with the run and the difference the fundraising element of the day has made to local charities. I would encourage people to visit the website to find out more about the event and the support that is available in the run up to the day and then sign up for the 2013 Perkins Great Eastern Run.”

For more info about the Perkins Great Eastern Run 2013, 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 207210.

Photos: Chris Brudenell for ESP Magazine

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