Half Marathon Organisers Challenge Local Businesses

Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants, Team Ipswich and Ipswich Jaffa Running Club have thrown down the gauntlet to local firms to enter the Ipswich Half Marathon, which is taking place on Sunday August 29. After the success of last year’s inaugural race the partners have introduced a ‘Business Challenge’ to bring an added dimension to the event by encouraging businesses to enter teams of four.

Have a Heart and Team Ipswich Sports Foundation are the two nominated charities for the half marathon and it is hoped that lots of sponsorship money will be raised for these two very worthwhile local charities by the teams entering. 

Larking Gowen partner, David King, said, “The local business community has already been very supportive of this event, which has encouraged the partners to organise this special challenge.  We hope it will help build team spirit and increase fitness as well as raising money for the two nominated charities.  An added incentive is that there will be a handsome trophy for the winning team.” 

Ipswich Jaffa Running Club Chairman Terry Back said, "I believe that this new and exciting challenge to the business community creates a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of Ipswich, as well as much needed funds for local charities. Will your business be the first winners?” 

Ian Twinley, Chair of the Team Ipswich Sports Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to be part of such a positive and community focussed event for the town. This Challenge will help to increase awareness of the Foundation in the business community and will help local athletes achieve their potential up to and beyond London 2012.”

Have a Heart’s Regional Fundraising Manager, Hannah Bias, said, “Here at Have a Heart we are also very excited by the Business Challenge and are hoping lots of local businesses will enter and raise lots of sponsorship money to help change the lives of disadvantaged children living in Suffolk, who are vulnerable, disabled, living with a disability or serious illness, and are deprived of a childhood that every child deserves.”

The race is taking place on Sunday 29 August, starting and finishing at the Northgate Sports Centre and the organisers hope to raise as much money as possible for the two charities.

More information on the event can be found at www.ipswichhalfmarathon.co.uk where you can also enter online.