Anticipation is building for this weekend's Stowmarket Striders Half Marathon, with more than 250 runners taking part.
Sunday's 13.1-mile race will follow a new route this year, beginning from Stowupland High School, before weaving around Old Newton, Mendlesham and Mendlesham Green before finishing at the school just north of Stowmarket.
A team of more than 60 volunteers will help run the event, which will involve only one road short road closure of Thorney Green Road and Gipping Road as runners set off at 10am.
Rachel Oakley, chairman of Stowmarket Striders Running Club, said: “It’s really exciting because it’s a brand-new course. We can see tomorrow where the bar is set in terms of course records and personal bests.
“It’s a very nice route – not too hilly and it’s not flooded! We wish all the runners well.”
The course covers a mixture of B roads and quiet country lanes which are single track.
Preparations for the event began months ago, obtaining a road licence, a referee, toilets, and volunteers.
David Field, who is in his second year as race director, has worked tirelessly to pull the event together.
Ms Oakley said: “It’s a lot of work! David does a very good job and has a lot of very experienced people behind him.
“We’ve done everything we can to be prepared and not leave anything to chance. Hopefully everything goes well.
“But for all clubs and charities, it’s difficult to get volunteers because we all live such busy lives. But we have managed to find the necessary numbers to make this happen.”
The half marathon will set off at 10am.
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