Runners will be able to enjoy spectacular seaviews as they test themselves on the course of Suffolk’s newest Parkrun.
Felixstowe is the latest community to take up the challenge – joining eight others across the county which see hundreds of runners testing themselves and improving their health and fitness every weekend.
Keen runner Sarah Fitch is organising the resort’s run, which will have a trial this weekend before starting its regular sessions on Saturday, April 7.
Sarah said: “I started running about a year and a half ago and I soon heard everyone talking about Parkrun.
“I have been travelling to events elsewhere and I thought this is silly, I don’t want to drive to run – I want to run in my own town. So I decided to contact Parkrun nationally and get started.”
A member of Felixstowe Road Runners, Sarah said the support for a Felixstowe Parkrun had been tremendous.
She said: The support from people in Felixstowe has been amazing – people are really enthusiastic. Hopefully the runs will get great support from residents but I think people will come from outside the town, too, because the seafront is such a fabulous place to run. I think it will be exciting.”
The plan is to start the runs from the green area at the rear of Felixstowe Leisure Centre and go along the prom to the Martello Tower and Landguard before turning back, running to almost the Fludyers and then returning to the pier.
There will be an opportunity to socialise, and chat about the morning and enjoy refreshments together at the Boardwalk Cafe on the pier afterwards.
The 5km free runs will take place at 9am on Saturdays – and full details will be available from this weekend when the group’s new Facebook page is launched.
Adults and juniors of all abilities will be able to take part – it’s not a race but is timed to enable people to see how well they do.
Sarah said: “It challenges you and encourages you to better your time if you can each week and encourage people to get active and fit. There is no pressure, it should be very relaxed and a lot of fun.”
Finance has been provided by the county council and Felixstowe Rotary Club. Other Suffolk Parkruns include Ipswich, Kesgrave, Bury St Edmunds, Great Cornard, and Lowestoft.
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