The city’s half marathon has been officially launched today (April 3) by world famous runner Ron Hill… and Pudsey Bear!
Doctor Ron Hill MBE – who’s competed in more than 100 marathons and raced in 100 different countries – was the special guest as this year’s race was unveiled and the annoucnement was made that BBC Children in Need is this year’s charity partner.
The Perkins Great Eastern Run launch was being hosted by the Marriott hotel on behalf of the race’s principal sponsors Perkins and is already on course to be another record breaker with 800 already signed up.
In 2013 the half marathon attracted its highest number of runners with almost 5,200 people entering the race and more than 1,700 signed up for the Anna’s Hope fun run.
New to 2014 is the introduction of race pacers who will help runners to achieve their best possible time on race day.
Seven pacers will lead different target times ranging from one and a half hours finish time to two hours and forty five minutes.
Organisers Peterborough City Council also told ESP there’s a great new opportunity for local bands and solo artists to apply to perform on the running route and on The Embankment where the race starts and finishes.
Stamford based charity Anna’s Hope is the official charity of the fun run. Anna’s Hope has supported the Perkins Great Eastern Run for several years and this year’s Anna’s Hope fun run and junior challenge has already started to attract entries.
This year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run takes place on Sunday October 12 and the route will remain unchanged, starting and finishing on the city’s Embankment.
Annette Joyce, Head of Commercial Operations at Peterborough City Council and Race Director, said: “Entries to this year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run opened the day after our 2013 race and the number of runners new to the race who have signed up so far is encouraging.
“This shows how the race is gathering pace in reputation and size. The city council is proud of how the event has flourished in recent years and by continuing to work with sponsors and partners we have been able to further enhance the running and spectator experience for 2014.”
Adrian Talbot, Marketing Centre of Excellence Manager at Perkins said: “It’s fantastic that so many people have already signed up to take part in the Perkins Great Eastern Run 2014. It’s set to be a great year!
“We’re very proud to be associated with an event which is an integral part of the city’s sporting calendar and which, through the fundraising that so many of the runners undertake, is making a real difference to local and national charities, including Anna’s Hope – our own charity partner.”
ESP magazine will once again be following and supporting this fantastic city event over the coming months, but in the meantime to find out more, 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.
For information on Anna’s Hope visit www.annas-hope.co.uk
Photos: Chris Brudenell for ESP Magazine
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