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Athletics
Where to participate
At Northgate Sports Centre we offer a 400 metre synthetic all weather surface, with 6 lanes, and 8 lane straight, plus grandstand seating for 400, floodlights and a Public Address system.
There's also a full sized grass centre pitch, making it the perfect venue to hold track and field events.
Can I just turn up and take part?
If you don't want to join one of the athletics clubs, you can simply use the track for casual use and there's no need to book.
Phone the centre to check special events.
| Monday | 19:00 - 21:00 | Jaffa Running Club (exclusive use) |
| Tuesday | 18:30 - 20:30 | Ipswich Harriers (exclusive use) |
| Wednesday | 18:00 - 20:00 | Orwell Panthers (exclusive use) |
| Thursday | 18:30 - 20:30 | Ipswich Harriers (exclusive use) |
| Friday | 17:30 - 19:00 | Junior Athletics |
| Friday | 19:00 - 22:00 | Please call to check availability. |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10:00 - 12:30 | Junior Athletics |
Public use will vary during the year according to events, please check for availability.
Are there any coached sessions?
If your child is ready for a structured session with experienced coaches we offer the following casual athletics at Northgate. These are bookable, 7 days in advance with an i-card online, via phone or in person.
| Friday | 17:30 - 19:00 | 8-14 year-olds |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 11:00 | 5-7 year-olds |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 12:30 | 8-14 year olds |
(Times are subject to change)
Payment options
You can pay per visit for use of the athletics track and/or the casual athletics sessions, or you can take advantage of our excellent value monthly packages which also include use of many other activities.
Pay per visit prices
| Casual price adults | Concessionary price Children Students Pensioners Disabled Financially disadvantaged | |
| Athletics track - adult | £2.30 | £1.85 |
| Athletics – casual coached sessions (juniors) | £2.40 (5-7 yrs) £3.60 (8-14 yrs) |
Monthly paid packages
| Card Type | Direct Debit | Concessionary Direct Debit | Cash, Cheque Card | Concessionary Cash, Cheque Card |
| I-level adult Includes swimming, racket sports, fitness classes, track, vitality health suite, creche | £23.50 | £16 | £30.50 | £20.50 |
| I-level junior Includes all casual session activities such as athletics, football, racket sports, rollerskating, swimming, sportschemes, trampolining, track | £10.50 | £12.50 |
*Proof of eligibility/benefit required for concessionary prices – see our pricing pages for details
There are also ‘taster’ sessions during school holidays - we can send you information about these via email - simply register on our free database.
(brochures are also available each holiday).
How about participation for the disabled?
Northgate is home to the Orwell Panthers Athletics Club for those with physical or learning disabilities. You can learn, improve or develop new skills in running, jumping and throwing.
Suitable for young people aged 11+.
Call 01473 259593 for more information.
Joining a club
We have several clubs that operate from Northgate:
- Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club;
- Ipswich Jaffa Running Club;
- Orwell Panthers Junior Disabled Athletics Club.
For contact details about these and other clubs, visit the Team Ipswich Sports Club Guide.