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Outstanding Ipswich Half Marathon draws thousands

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon returned on Sunday, drawing thousands of runners and spectators.

The route: Starting at Portman Road, the race took runners on a 13.1-mile route down Upper and Lower Brook Street, onto Duke Street, and then around Holywells Park and Cliff Lane on the way to Ipswich Waterfront.

Continuing around the River Orwell, runners headed to Wherstead Road, past Suffolk Food Hall, up Freston Hill, and looped around The Steet before heading back down the same route to the town centre and finishing back at the stadium. 

Ipswich Half Marathon route map
Runners got to take in all Ipswich landmarks along the 13.1-mile courseRun for All

By the numbers:

  • 2,018 runners

  • 13.1-mile course

  • 1:08:03: time by Jack Nixon of Saint Edmund Pacers, the fastest male runner

  • 01:20:27: time by Claire Jacobs, the fastest female runner

A true community event: Thousands of spectators hit the streets to cheer on their friends, family, colleagues and community – signs and all.

The event's success relied heavily on sponsors, partners and the many volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning to ensure its smooth operation.

Get involved: If you'd like to participate in next year's race, head to https://www.runforall.com/events/half-marathon/ipswich-half-marathon/.

The bottom line: The event was fantastic for runners and spectators alike. All finishers received a medal and goody bag commemorating their achievement. We can't wait until next year's event.

Ipswich Half Marathon in pictures

All photos by Sam Baker of Sam Baker Photography. You can swipe through the images if you're viewing on a mobile.

Top 10

  1. Jack Nixon (Saint Edmund Pacers) - 1:08:03

  2. Liam White (Tunbridge Wells Harriers) - 1:10:44

  3. Andrew Risk (Colchester Harriers AC) - 1:13:37

  4. Stuart Haynes (Woodbridge Shufflers RC) - 1:14:56

  5. Benjamin Carpendale (Felixstowe RRC) - 1:16:18

  6. Alex Seabright (Royal Sutton Coldfield Athletics Club) - 1:17:54

  7. Daniel Saunders - 1:18:33

  8. Alexandre Graham - 1:18:58

  9. Sultan Tusa (Ipswich Jaffa RC) - 1:19:20

  10. Jack Wilkinson - 1:19:36

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Theatre project transforms lives through art

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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