The first Newmarket Great Local Run has been launched in the town with 149 runners taking part.
They set off from the iconic Warren Hill, on Sunday morning, with participants choosing from either the 2km or the 5km route.
Runners are able to time themselves with supplied cards, which they get for free by registering in advance, and the results are posted online, but organisers stressed that the event isn’t a race.
The 5k route consists of one full loop of the outer gallops whilst the 2k route is one complete route of the inner gallops.
Noah Besley crossed the line first to finish the 2K route and Grant Harradence was first to finish the 5K.
Newmarket Great Run Local was made possible by Jockey Club Estates and Suffolk County Council, who both funded the initiative, with support from Newmarket Town Council and Abbeycroft Leisure.
Councillor Robin Millar, cabinet member for Families and Communities at Suffolk County Council, said: “The Great Run Local is an opportunity for everyone to take advantage of the beautiful and unique setting here in Newmarket.
“Jockey Club Estates have worked in partnership with the Town Council, Abbeycroft and Suffolk County Council’s Most Active County Team to bring this to Newmarket.”
Nick Patton, managing director of Jockey Club Estates, said: “Jockey Club Estates is delighted to be a partner in bringing the Great Local Run to Newmarket. It’s a fantastic initiative to stage properly organised events that are open to everyone and encourage the local community to enjoy their exercise. Newmarket’s training grounds provide a unique setting for the runners and we hope the opportunity to run over the same turf as that used by some of the world’s greatest racehorses makes the initiative all the more popular.”
Event co-ordinator Angie Underdown added: “I was absolutely thrilled with the first event which ran very smoothly and the atmosphere was brilliant, really fun and positive, which is exactly what we were aiming for.
“I would like to thank all the volunteers, without whom these events can’t happen, and would urge anyone to get in touch if they want to help out, take part or both. Volunteers don’t have to commit to every week, so please do get in touch.”
Warren Smyth, Abbeycroft Leisure’s chief executive officer, said: “We were very pleased to be a part of bringing Great Run Local to Newmarket. It’s a simple yet very effective initiative to get people more active and involved with their local community and we’re confident that the numbers will continue to grow now that the event is up and running.”
The event will take place every Sunday morning at 11am, meeting at Severalls Pavillion.
To register visit www.greatrunlocal.org or to volunteer contact newmarket@greatrunlocal.org
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