It was a test of fitness and endurance as runners took on a marathon challenge, navigating oncoming traffic and passers-by along the way.

East Anglian Daily Times: Traffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXONTraffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: PAUL NIXON)

On this day competitors had the option to either take on a full or half marathon following a set circuit around the town and out to Wherstead and the Shotley peninsula to make it first to the finish line.

East Anglian Daily Times: Traffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXONTraffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: PAUL NIXON)

Despite the numerous runners taking on the challenge, unlike most marathons, most of the roads along the route were still open for the public to walk or drive along.

East Anglian Daily Times: Traffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXONTraffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: PAUL NIXON)

There was some help for the runners along the way with police on hand to control traffic so both runners and cars could pass safely but for some roads runners still had to keep an eye out for oncoming traffic.

East Anglian Daily Times: Traffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXONTraffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: PAUL NIXON)

Have you run a marathon around the town over the years? Or can you spot yourself or a familiar face from our gallery? To share your memories email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

East Anglian Daily Times: Traffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXONTraffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: PAUL NIXON)

East Anglian Daily Times: Traffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXONTraffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: PAUL NIXON)

East Anglian Daily Times: Traffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXONTraffic has to wait whilst the group passed by Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: PAUL NIXON)