Great East Run route

THE COURSE

The Simplyhealth Great East Run course follows a scenic route that is suitable for runners of all abilities.

Starting and finishing on Russell Road, runners pass the prestigious Willis building designed by Lord Foster before heading through the beautiful Holywells Park and travelling down to Ipswich’s vibrant waterfront.

The route then passes Felaw Maltings on the way out and back along Wherstead Road, where participants will see Fox’s Marina, Suffolk Food Hall and go twice under the iconic Orwell Bridge into Freston.

On returning to the town centre, runners will head towards Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road stadium, passing the statues of two football legends, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey, before crossing the finish line in the stadium’s practice pitch and being welcomed by hundreds of supporters in the stands.

FEED STATIONS

On the course you will find CLIF Bar feed stations with CLIF Shot Energy Gels and CLIF Bloks Energy Chews. This station will be around the 8 mile point on the course.

Great East Run

Start Time: 12:00am

21.1km

Mostly Flat

View map and route info

Event Details

What’s Included

Medal
Feed stations
Marked route
Marshalled

Raceday Logistics

RACE SCHEDULE

08:00 - Information Point opens in the event village (located in Ipswich Town Football Club) Baggage and changing facilities open in the event village

09:00 - Start assembly area opens

09:45 - Simplyhealth Great East Run mass warm-up starts

10:00 - START of the Simplyhealth Great East Run (fast-paced runners and orange wave)

10:05 - START of the Simplyhealth Great East Run (white wave)

10:10 - START of the Simplyhealth Great East Run (green wave)

14:00 - Information Point closes

FAMILY REUNION AREA
The family reunion area can be found in the event village, where there will be a number of flying flags displaying letters of the alphabet. Arrange to meet your loved ones under the flying flag displaying the first letter of your surname i.e. if your name is John Smith, you should arrange to meet under the 'S' flag.

RUN FOR CHARITY

https://www.greatrun.org/great-east-run/run-for-charity

Kit List

Normal running gear is perfect for this event. It is recommended that you have suitable running shoes and that you bring some warm clothes for after the race.

Spectators

Spectators are very welcome!!

FAQs

What is the minimum age for this event?

Minimum age: 17 years old and over.

Questions & answers

Get answers from our team or a member of our dedicated community.

What would you like to know about this event?

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Sophie B10th Sep

Hi all! Race looks great.... Considering a last minute entry! Wondering if there’s a medal? I’m on a medal mission!!

Steph E11th Sep

Hi there. Thanks for getting in touch. I am really sorry to inform you that the entry for this event has just closed! :)

Great East Run reviews (10)

Reasons people recommend this event

Stunning scenery

Friendly atmosphere

Incredible crowds

R

Rebecca S
Did the Great East Run in 2018
I’ve run this twice and have booked again for this year, it’s friendly and good view when going under the Orwell bridge, great volunteers and supportive crowds most of the way round especially coming back into town after the first half
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Lorraine
Did the Great East Run in 2017
My first half marathon. Great experience running through my home town cheered on by fantastic crowds and marshalls. Will never forget the feeling of achievement crossing the finish line in the shadow of ITFC's ground.
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Peter F
Did the Great East Run in 2018
First half marathon great course great day. Thanks to all the organisers for a very well run event.
B

Becks B
Did the Great East Run in 2018
Fantastic route, nice tour of the town and then out along the Orwell River which is beautiful, the hill is really not that bad! Not to crowded like other half’s. This was my first HM and the crowd and Marshall’s are very supportive of beginners. Sign up, you won’t regret it.
L

Louisa H
Did the Great East Run in 2018
Amazing event - super well organised, awesome finish at Ipswich Town FC, great route & scenery, and fantastic support throughout!
A

Adam B
Did the Great East Run in 2017
Did this event in 2017. Really well organised, fantastic crowds and atmosphere, gentle route with only a couple of hills, great marshalls. Great finish in the grounds of Ipswich Town FC. Definitely recommend.
J

Jo C
Did the Great East Run in 2018
Great event, I have run it every year since it started. Well organised and a nice mix of town and rural route. Have had friends visit from further afield to take part. Thumbs up all round.
A

Amanda L
Did the Great East Run in 2018
Would highly recommend. Great event. Good mix of scenery and town and various difficulty levels. Great crowd support.
D

Daniel J
Did the Great East Run in 2018
Set in the heart of Ipswich the course Starts and Ends at Ipwich FC winds around the town pass the marina and end up running under the stunning Orwell Bridge before heading back to the Finish Line. The course only has one major hill.
The course is well catered for and well marshalled. The crowds around the course really make it.
Every thing is well organised. I plan to take part in this on a Annual basis.
D

Dennis finbow
Did the Great East Run in 2017
I have run hundreds of half and full marathons around the world.and Ipswich is certainly in my top ten