Vivacity to take over Peterborough’s Great Eastern Run from council

The popular half marathon attracts thousands of runners every year but it is felt participation has stagnated.

Vivacity, a not-for-profit trust which runs cultural and leisure services in Peterborough, will take control of the race, Anna’s Hope Fun Run and wheelchair event from the city council this year, and it is hoped over time it will be able to bring in extra sponsorship.

Last year’s race was dramatically cancelled after police were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously near the course.

The council, which offered refunds to competitors, or a place in this year’s run, stood to make losses of £135,000 from the cancellation, but it has event cancellation insurance and last year progressed a claim to get its money back.

The council said this week its claim remains ongoing.

Further details of the 2020 edition are due to be announced in the coming weeks.

RELATED: Great Eastern Run in Peterborough cancelled after man seen ‘acting suspiciously’

The chair of Vivacity’s board, Stewart Francis, said: “The Great Eastern Run is in the process of being handed over to us.

“The council has been making losses in running it and they asked us to run it because we believe we can make it bigger and better and not make a loss.

“The numbers running it have remained steady over the years and it just needs some TLC.”

The cash-strapped council has been cutting back Vivacity’s funding while gradually transferring services over to the trust, including the running of Bretton Water Park and St George’s Hydrotherapy Pool in Dogsthorpe Road.

Vivacity is on track to break even this financial year having invested heavily the year before to improve its commercial unit.

A city council spokeswoman said: “The Perkins Great Eastern Run remains one of the most popular events in the city and attracts thousands of people every year who want to compete in the half-marathon or fun run. In addition, it brings many extra visitors to the city and generates additional revenue for local businesses.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Vivacity and have been working with them for some time now to transfer responsibility for the organisation of the race. We want to be able to grow the race and attract additional sponsorship and we believe that Vivacity is best placed to do this with its links with the culture and leisure sector and knowledge.

“The council will continue to support the event in a number of ways including managing the necessary road closures and leading on the public safety aspects. The contract with Perkins as main sponsor will also continue.

“Details will be announced by Vivacity in the coming weeks about this year’s Perkins Great Eastern Run.”