More than 1,100 people have entered the 2013 Perkins Great Eastern Run following Peterborough half marathon’s official launch event seven weeks ago.
Entry numbers are approximately double in comparison to the same time in 2012 and almost half of this year’s entries so far are new to the race. ESP reporter Mikey Clarke is among those taking part and will be raising money for Arthritis Research UK.
The Perkins Great Eastern Run has grown in reputation since it was reintroduced to the racing calendar in 2006 after a ten-year absence. The flat and fast route has proved to be a popular reason why runners return to the event. The route takes competitors through the city centre and alongside the cathedral, which is unusual for a half marathon.
Entries so far have come in from all over the UK and abroad including Australia and Sweden and elite athlete entries from African countries are expected in the coming months.
Luka Rotich of Kenya was first across the finish line in 2012 and his time of 62:25 was just outside the Perkins Great Eastern Run best of 62:16 set in 2010, which was the second fastest half marathon ever in Peterborough.
Annette Joyce, Head of Commercial Operations at Peterborough City Council, told ESP – “To have just over 1,100 entries for this year’s race so soon after our launch is fantastic news. It has been the best ever start to the Perkins Great Eastern Run and our aim is to surpass last year’s 4,400 entries to the half marathon.
“The majority of runners who have so far entered are new to the race and this demonstrates the strong reputation our event has. The course is unique in comparison to most UK half marathons, as it takes runners through our city centre and has excellent support along the route by our residents.
“Last year we made significant changes to the route, which helped runners to improve on their personal best times. We also started and finished the race on the city’s Embankment where friends and family of runners were kept occupied with children’s entertainment, a continental market, charity stalls, trade stands and refreshments.”
The 2013 Perkins Great Eastern Run will take place on Sunday October 13 at 10:30am. The 5k fun run starts at 10am and is followed by the wheelchair race, which commences just before the half marathon.
Entry fees for the half marathon are £21 for members of UKA affiliated athletic clubs and £23 for unaffiliated entrants. The fun run is £8 for entrants who are 16 years-old and over and £5 for 16 years and under.
Enter at www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk You can talk about the race by searching Perkins Great Eastern Run on Facebook and on Twitter: PerkinsGER
Photos: Chris Brudenell
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