Charity fundraisers cross the finish line with some going the extra mile breaking multiple guinness world records as they go.

CHARITY FUNDRAISERS CROSS THE FINISH LINE WITH SOME GOING THE EXTRA MILE BREAKING MULTIPLE GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS AS THEY GO

Thousands of participants, spectators and volunteers united today to take part in one of the region’s most popular running events, the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon.

Starting at 09:30, outside Portman Road Stadium, the home of Ipswich Town Football Club, the 13.1-mile route took runners via many of the town’s landmarks including Ipswich Waterfront, Holywells Park and the River Orwell before making their way back to the stadium for the grand finish line. 

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service stood out today for not only completing the race, but breaking multiple world records while in their full PPE.

Ashley Buxton in the team attempted to break the world record for the fastest half marathon wearing PT Kit and carrying a breath apparatus set, Paul Shattock attempted the fastest half marathon in fire firefighters PPE and breath apparatus whilst under air, and George Trott and Grant Whitehead attempted the fastest half marathon in firefighters PPR and carrying breathing apparatus! Whilst the incredible results are yet to be officially confirmed by Guinness World Records we are pleased to announce that current timings show they have beaten the records. 

With the theme of fun and fundraising, those involved each ran for their own reason, but one with a common goal - to make a significant difference to others. It was another fantastic day for the town of Ipswich, centred around running, fundraising and community spirit.

Whilst charity fundraising was at the heart, the day also saw competitive elite races involving some of the region’s leading athletes in the half marathon distance. 

In the men’s race, Jack Nixon triumphed with a time of 1:08:03. 

Liam White took second place in a time of 1:10:44, followed by Andrew Risk who took third place in a time of 1:13:37. 

Claire Jacobs was first to the finish line in an impressive time of 1:20:27 in the women’s race, and was pushed all the way by runners up Katie King and Kat Parnell, who clocked 1:24:25 and 1:25:03 respectively.

More than just a day of running, the day also highlighted the incredible communities in and around the city, from running clubs, volunteer’s and schools, with all areas showing their support.

 Participants were encouraged out on course by local entertainment groups; Ipswich Rock Choir and Salvation Army Brass Band, while teams of volunteers from groups across the town also rallied to show their support.

The real winners consist of the many local and national charities, who will benefit from the efforts of the many people who took part for good causes, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process and making a vital difference. 

Participants have been encouraged to fundraise for a chosen charity or one of the event's partner charities; Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Lighthouse, St Elizabeth Hospice, Home Start in Suffolk, Suffolk Libraries, Ipswich Town Foundation, Mind Suffolk, Families Together Suffolk, Brave Futures and RSPCA Suffolk.

Staged alongside the half marathon, the day also included the brand-new Larking Gowen Ipswich Corporate Challenge, with several business organisations vying to be crowned Ipswich’s fastest business. The results of this event are expected in the coming days. 

Recently announced and following a successful initial two-year partnership, Ipswich Accountants and Business Advisors, Larking Gowen will continue to work in partnership with the Ipswich Half Marathon and will retain title sponsor of the event until 2027.

Larking Gowen are proud sponsors of the Ipswich Half Marathon. Sponsoring this event is extremely important to the East Anglian based Accountancy and Business advisory Firm. 

Graham Mummery, Partner at Larking Gowen said "We're delighted to support the local community and people with their health and wellbeing. We've had a longstanding relationship with Run For All and we're delighted to be there, supporting all the runners and greeting them at the finish line with their medals. It was a great event, huge congratulations to all runners!" 

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, reflecting on the day, said: “A huge well done and thank you to all participants who joined us for one of Suffolk’s flagship running events, the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon.

“With the addition of the Corporate Challenge, it has been a fantastic day of running and fundraising for all abilities and ages.

“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a great success.”

The Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon is supported by Larking Gowen, Ipswich Town Football Club, Ipswich Borough Council, BBC Radio Suffolk, JAFFA Running Club, Arla Protein, High 5, Run R, Coopah, Shokz, Gradwell, Marathon Photos Live, Wagamama, Jog On and Alpha Physiotherapy.

Entries are now open for the 2025 Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, which will be staged on Sunday 21st September 2025. 

Potential participants are advised to go to www.runforall.com for a limited time-only discounted offer.