A record number of runners will descend on Christchurch Park in Ipswich for the town’s popular half marathon on Sunday.

More than 1,550 people – a record-breaking figure – will take part in the fifth annual Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon.

The day will also feature the country’s first INEOS Go Run for Fun event – a 2k run for children aged five to 16.

Colin Jackson, former 110m hurdles double world champion, will be on the start line to get both races under way from 9am.

The event is organised by Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) and Ipswich JAFFA Running Club, and sponsored by chartered accountants and business advisors Larking Gowen.

The half marathon starts at 9am in front of the Mansion House in Christchurch Park. The 13.1 mile course goes through the park, the town centre and surrounding streets.

The INEOS Go Run for Fun, supporting East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and St Elizabeth Hospice, starts at 9.15am.

Bryony Rudkin, IBC’s portfolio holder for culture & leisure, said: “As part of our Olympic legacy we are actively encouraging more people to take up or return to sport and improve fitness levels among people of all ages and abilities.”

Roads closures:

Start Section (8.30am-9.40am):

Soane Street

Crown Street

Northgate Street

Buttermarket

Giles Circus

Princess Street

Westgate Street

High Street

Fonnereau Road

Route laps (8.45am-11.45am):

Anglesea Road

Borrowdale Avenue

Bridle Way

Constitution Hill

Graham Road

Henley Road

Ivry Street

Museum Street

Paget Road

Park Road

Queen Street

Tuddenham Road

Westerfield Road