Sudbury joggers on track with community running event

Joggers from Sudbury are spearheading a community running event, with the aim that it becomes an annual fixture in the running calendar.

Todd Lewis and Richard Smith are among a group of runners who are organising the track event, which will feature a marathon, half marathon and a series of lap races.

Called The Ministry of Track, it will take place at Abbeycroft Leisure in Bury St Edmunds on September 5, and tickets go on sale this week.

Todd said: “Sadly, we don’t have a running track in Sudbury, but it would be our long-term goal to have one here.

“We were inspired to organise this race after taking part in a track marathon in Braintree..

“At the time, we thought it would be easy – but 105 laps of a 400-metre running track is no mean feat.

“It was mentally and emotionally challenging, but it’s amazing how you get over it and want to repeat the challenge – that’s why we thought it would be great to organise a unique community event for anyone interested in running.”

Mr Smith said the not-for-profit race will feature a track marathon finishing by 5pm, followed by a number of different races.

He added: “Running is the most popular hobby in the UK, even over angling, and every Saturday we regularly have around 190 people taking part in the town parkrun.

“Running can be quite solitary, so we have designed this event to have something for the whole family.”

Mr Smith said he was looking for local businesses to pledge sponsorship for the event. He was also interested in hearing from anyone who wanted to help with volunteering and organising.

To get further information, contact Mr Lewis on 07957 889479.