Runners considering the AEPG Great Eastern Run may need to act quickly, with the Half Marathon already 98% full more than two months before race day. Thousands will gather at Peterborough Embankment on Sunday 11 October 2026 for the city’s flagship running event, which combines a fast Half Marathon with the Anna’s Hope 5K Fun Run.

The Half Marathon starts at 10.30am and follows a fully closed road course through Peterborough city centre and the surrounding area. Its flat profile has long made the event attractive to runners chasing personal bests, while the generous 3 hour 30 minute cut-off gives those tackling 13.1 miles for the first time plenty of opportunity to enjoy the experience.

Five water stations will support Half Marathon runners around the course, with chip timing, race pacers, medical cover and enthusiastic marshals contributing to a professionally delivered race day. Every participant receives a bespoke medal, while the event village opens from 8.00am with a pre-race warm-up and post-race refreshments adding to the atmosphere at the Embankment.

The Anna’s Hope 5K Fun Run begins at 9.00am, giving runners and families a shorter way to experience the closed roads before the Half Marathon gets under way. The 5K is also chip timed, with prizes for the leading male and female finishers and a bespoke medal waiting at the finish.

Preparation extends well beyond race weekend. Free Get Fit for the Great Eastern training runs are taking place every other Wednesday from Bushfield Sports Centre, with sessions continuing through August and September before the final run on 7 October. They are open to runners of all abilities, require no advance registration and are supported by a dedicated training plan.

Whether you are aiming to lower your Half Marathon best, preparing for your first 13.1 miles or looking for an accessible 5K in the heart of Peterborough, the Great Eastern Run offers closed roads, strong support and one of the flattest courses around. With only a small number of Half Marathon entries remaining, anyone hoping to join the 2026 field should secure a place before the race reaches capacity.

Entries are available via the runABC Great Eastern Run race hub here.

Image courtesy of Good Running Events.