The annual Golden Mile race and Beach Party celebration is coming to Stowmarket this weekend.
The one mile race, organised by running club Stowmarket Striders, will see hundreds take on the race through the town centre on Saturday, September 2.
On the same day Stowmarket Town Council are bringing the seaside to landlocked Stowmarket with their Beach Party at the Recreation Ground.
The free to enter community event will see the park transformed into a seaside resort, with music, donkey rides, Punch and Judy, the giant sand pit centrepiece, circus skills workshops, bouncy castles and lots more.
This year’s Golden Mile will be the fourth since its inception as a one off celebration of the 60th anniversary of the first four minute mile run by the legendary middle-distance runner Sir Roger Bannister in 2014.
Race Director Tucker Larke said: “Stowmarket Striders are once again delighted to be hosting the Golden Mile, which will see 300 runners of all ages and abilities run through the town centre of Stowmarket before finishing on the recreation ground at the Beach Party.
“We were very pleased to see this year’s race sell-out in record time.”
In 2014 the race attracted well over 200 runners, each making their way from Pikes Meadow to the Recreation Ground and in 2015 the race grew again to 250 runners.
The Beach Party, which has been running since before the Golden Mile, is now organised in partnership with the Stowmarket Striders.
David Marsh, who organises the Beach Party on behalf of Stowmarket Town Council, said: “The event has always been about creating a great day out that the whole family could enjoy together without spending a fortune.
“A free event like this couldn’t take place without the support of main sponsor Hughes and councillors Barry Humphreys, Dave Muller, Lesley Mayes, Nick Gowrley and Gerard Brewster.”
The Beach Party will also give local charities and community groups a chance to raise funds, with several set to attend.
• Stowmarket Beach Party runs from 1pm to 7pm this Saturday at the Stowmarket Recreation Ground. The Golden Mile’s expanded capacity of 300 runners is sold out and will start at 2pm.
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