Major changes have just been announced for the Ipswich Half Marathon, first run in the sport-loving county of Suffolk 39 years ago with 501 finishers. The revival of Ipswich Half Marathon will kick off at Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground on Sunday 11th September 2022, having joined the Run For All family of events and secured a three-year title sponsorship deal with one of the county’s largest accounting and business advisory firms, Larking Gowen. 

Run For All is part of Jane Tomlinson’s lasting legacy. Jane Tomlinson CBE raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon to a 4,200-mile cycle ride across the width of the USA – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer. Jane's family continues to raise funds and through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and Run For All a massive £10m has now been raised for charities.    

Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, in partnership with Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council, sees the return of one of the region’s favourite events on the much-loved town’s previous half marathon route, starting and finishing at the iconic Ipswich Town FC stadium. It’s hoped thousands will return to enjoy the scenic route, including the waterfront, with views of the magnificent Orwell Bridge. 

Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection said: “We are delighted that the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon will be returning this year and look forward to working with Run For All as a supporting partner to make it one the highlights of the Suffolk calendar.”

Jane Tomlinson’s husband Mike, Chief Executive of Run For All, said: “It’s an honour to be part of this incredible community event. When Jane and I set up Run For All in 2007 our aim was always to create events that removed barriers to participation that embraced the communities across the town or city. Working with Larking Gowen, the Council, Football club, and Ipswich Jaffa, we hope to highlight the incredible communities at the heart of this town, inspire people to take part regardless of age or ability, and join us for a day of celebration.”

Alison Beech, Chair of Ipswich Jaffa Running Club said: “The club is thrilled to be working with Run for All, whose core values and motivations are so closely aligned to our own. This is great news for the region’s runners, fundraisers, charities, and the wider community.”

The launch of the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon follows the announcement of the permanent loss of the Great East Run Half Marathon in Ipswich after two years of coronavirus enforced disruption and cancellations.  

Entries are available now at Run for All here

Image courtesy Run for All for Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon