More than 100 runners to take on Ipswich Half Marathon for Combat2Coffee

Why it matters: Combat2Coffee works to improve the mental health, wellbeing and futures of veterans, ex-uniformed personnel, serving personnel, their families and the wider community. Profits from its coffee sales are reinvested into outreach, education, training and development opportunities.

The big picture: This year's team has grown significantly from the 70 runners who took part last year, when Team Combat2Coffee raised £10,500, with Ipswich Cardinals contributing a further £6,000 in support.

• The CIC's founder says the growth reflects a wider community rallying behind the cause.
• Runners have been training and fundraising together throughout the year, building what organisers describe as a real sense of community.

Major Brew is back: Look out for the human-sized coffee cup racing through the streets of Ipswich on the day.

• Steve Brown has taken on the challenge of running the full 13.1 miles in the Major Brew costume – the charity's mascot.
• Organisers say Major Brew is always a great way of getting people talking about Combat2Coffee and spreading its message throughout the community.

What they're saying: Combat2Coffee founder Nigel Seaman said: "This means so much, not only to me as the founder of Combat2Coffee, but to everyone who works here, volunteers with us and has been supported by us over the years.

"To see such a large team coming together to run for Combat2Coffee, alongside the incredible support from our sponsors who have stood by us and contributed to the work we do, is something we could not be more grateful for."

He added: "All that's left now is for our runners to complete the challenge and for our supporters to get behind them and cheer them on throughout the day. If you are able to donate, no matter how big or small, it would mean a huge amount to us and will help us continue the work we do. And if you can't donate – come down to Ipswich on the day, find our runners and give them a big cheer. Your support means just as much."

Speaking exclusively to Ipswich.co.uk, Major Brew described Combat2Coffee as "a rare example of a project that makes genuinely measurable and tangible differences in the local community".

"Conversations are had that allow people to open up who need to, the coffee is curated locally right here in Ipswich and from that process to serving it, jobs and opportunities are created for veterans and former inmates, who may have struggled to readjust to conventional society," he added.

He concluded: "This coffee will be fuelling the staff at Sizewell C, and that in itself is a great metaphor for this Ipswich success story. Totally, to quell the rumours, I am not in any way related to Count BinFace."

Sponsors: Nine local businesses are backing this year's team: Global Nuclear Security Partners, Motion Wave Digital, Anglia Produce, Supply Line Solutions, Whip Street Motors, BaxterStorey, Park View Care Home, Chestnut, and Ipswich Plumb Store.

For context: Combat2Coffee was honoured with The King's Award for Voluntary Service in 2025, the highest award given to voluntary groups across the UK and equivalent in level to an MBE. The charity's Bigger Breakfast event at Ipswich YM Rugby Club in June drew more than 800 attendees, including patron Terry Butcher.

The bottom line: More than 100 runners – including one dressed as a coffee cup – will take on the Ipswich Half Marathon on 27 September for Combat2Coffee, with organisers urging residents to donate or turn out to cheer the team through the streets.

Anyone wishing to support the team can donate via the Combat2Coffee JustGiving page.

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