Suffolk’s first ever organised 24-hour endurance running race will be held this summer as part of a new festival in the county.
The inaugural Suffolk TrailFest will take place on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17, at Shimpling, between Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury.
As well as the 24-hour event, the festival also features a 12-hour endurance race, a 10k trail run and a 3k fun run, with organisers expecting around 300 people to take part.
The 24-hour endurance event can be run solo or in teams and participants in the 12-hour race can also take part with a partner or on their own.
The team of organisers behind the event is the same which put together last year’s Chadacre Challenge.
Kelly Pepper, co-organiser of the event, said: “Endurance races in the UK have enjoyed a boom in recent years, with challenges popping up around the country.
“We thought it was about time Suffolk had its very own 24-hour challenge to add to the UK’s running calendar.
“We have distances for all abilities and ages though, and even the 24-hour race need not be as daunting as it sounds. We are encouraging teams of runners to take it on together, running, walking or crawling their way through the weekend.
“The aim is to create a true festival feel around some fun races.”
As well as the races, there will be camping, live music, face painting, and marshmallow toasting over the two days at Shimpling Park Farm.
The event is supporting Bury St Edmunds-based St Nicholas Hospice Care, and in addition all profits from the fun run will go to Lawshall Pre-School.
Katie Haselhurst, co-organiser, said: “This is something we have been planning for some time, and we are thrilled to officially launch it.
“We know there is lot of eager runners in the region, and the experience of the Chadacre Challenge last year proved just how much appetite for organised runs there is.
“We were keen to build on that to create an even bigger festival of running in Suffolk. Being able to host the county’s first ever 24-hour race as part of the weekend will make it even more special.”
For more information, visit the Suffolk TrailFest website or email info@suffolktrailfestival.co.uk
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