Ipswich Twilight 10k takes off from Portman Road next month

As many as 1,500 people could take to the streets of Ipswich as one of Suffolk’s biggest races returns next month.

Kicking off from Portman Road at 7.30pm on July 14, the Twilight 10k will take runners on a tour of the town centre.

Participants will visit iconic town buildings, including the Corn Exchange and Town Hall and travel past shopping hotspots and the high street.

The event was organised by Ipswich Jaffa Running Club, and sponsored by Ipswich-based businesses, including Coes, Ensors Chartered Accountants and Viking Vitality.

Ensors is the primary donor, a spokeswoman for the event said, and would be providing t-shirts and vests to the first 500 entrants.

David Fairbank, from Ensors, said: “After holding the shirt sponsorship for six years, we wanted to increase our support to ensure that runners from Ipswich and beyond could continue to enjoy the event into the future.

“We’ve been based in the town for over 130 years ago and we’re proud to be able to cheer on our employees and fellow runners with a spectacular viewpoint from our Princes Street offices.

“With a whole spectrum of t-shirts in circulation, we’re looking forward to adding to our loyal runners’ collection again this year.”

The Twilight 5k debuted in 2015 and has been held nearly every year since.

Its return last year followed a two-year hiatus after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Typically, hundreds of spectators turn up to cheer the runners on, a spokeswoman for the event said.

In addition to the main event, two other races – the Daily Mile, which sets off at 6.30pm and the Ensors Family Wave, which sets of at 6.40pm – will take place on the day.

These are designed for younger runners or family groups.

Entrance for the event is £30, lowering to £28 for runners affiliated with England Athletics.

Any profit made will be given to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.

Alison Butler, the charity’s community fundraiser for Suffolk and North Essex, said: “Having previously received a fantastic and very generous donation of £15,000 from the cancelled 2020 race, we’re incredibly grateful and excited to once again be named charity partner for this year’s Twilight 10k.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to raise both funds and awareness.

“The money will make a tangible difference, in terms of helping us provide our vital care services, and we wish all the members the very best of luck both with their running and fundraising.”