Opposing View: Run is when the city really comes alive

Thousands of runners will take part in the half marathon distance, and in the Anna’s Hope 5KM this Sunday.

We should take a moment to acknowledge how the Great Eastern Run returned. You may recall there was a sabbatical after 2019, impacted by Covid. As a passionate runner, and someone who ran the Great Eastern many times, I wanted the race to return. We may not trade many pleasantries in print, but I will acknowledge the leader of the council at the time, Councillor Fitzgerald, for allowing myself and Councillor Steve Allen to explore options for bringing the race back. Whilst it’s not right to name officers in print, there are a couple who gave us a lot of time and commitment to help support the work to get the race back.

We all agreed that the Great Eastern Run needed the full expertise of an established race organiser, and that if we achieved this it would help one of the best half marathons in the UK to grow further.

We spoke to many race organisers, but the key moment was meeting Good Running Events. An upcoming outfit who ran the very successful Sandringham Half Marathon, Aaron the director shared our passion and enthusiasm and brought back the race in 2022 in a very short space of time, having only announced the comeback in March 2022 and then seeing a fully-fledged event in October 2022.

Peterborough has one of the best Half Marathons in the UK, flat and fast which is a runner’s dream.

With Good Running Events the route has been improved every single year they’ve run the event. This year, runners will be delighted to experience running through the iconic Norman Arch and taking in the view of the Cathedral towards the end of the race. I can say personally, the support on the route is spine-tingling. I always get goosebumps seeing how people come out to cheer, clap, play music, give out sweets and offer high fives.

This race is about so much, not just the runners – the whole city comes out and celebrates the runners. When I see the panning our city gets in certain books or polls, I would challenge these individual’s or bloggers to come and run the Great Eastern Run. They will see a city that steps up and contributes to a truly special atmosphere. You can’t ask a city how it feels, but if you could, on Great Eastern Run day the city comes alive and feels amazing. It may not be fitting of a politician, but I will say I start and end the race in tears. It’s incredibly emotional to run this race for me as it’s so special to see the race come back and see how loved it is by the city.

It also supports so many incredible local charities. There are over 18 local charities who have sponsored runners taking part in the race, and this year is expected to raise £250,000 for amazing charities who do so much for people in Peterborough. And there is the increased footfall, with 4500 runners also comes supporters. Many travel from outside the city to take place in a premier road race event, and with this comes with extra people using hotels, shopping and celebrating our city. I know from 2023 many runners from outside the city came to run, and didn’t know our Cathedral until running around it last year. The Great Eastern Run is more than a race. It is the lifeblood for tourism, for local charities, for young runners who take part in the Anna’s Hope 5KM and maybe will go on to run the half marathon, and above all for the city’s reputation.

I want to thank everyone who sponsors the event, supports the event, and volunteers for the event.

The AEPG Great Eastern Run would not take place without your support. This will be ever more vital as we look beyond 2024 and I say thank you. And to everyone running, I wish you the best of luck and I will see you on the course!

You are taking part in a race with an electric atmosphere and great route. I would normally be wearing yellow with my Yaxley Runners top but this year I’m running for the Light Project Peterborough, so still in yellow but running for a very special local charity. One of many who benefit from the Great Eastern Run. Please do come out and support this fantastic event and lets celebrate the Great Eastern Run 2024.