Grand East Anglia Run wins Bill Reynolds Memorial Trophy

The Bespak Grand East Anglia Run has scooped the national Bill Reynolds Memorial Trophy 2015, awarded by BARR (British Association of Road Races) for the event which has greatly improved its race organisation.

Paul Wood, Chairman of BARR explained: "The trophy was created to continue the legacy of Bill Reynolds - past president of BARR and a man who continually sought to improve the standards of race organisation.  The trophy is awarded annually by the BARR Committee.  We scrutinise the Bespak GEAR 10k each year in order to give it a grading.  We have watched how the organisers continually look to improve on the way things are done.  We are delighted to award this trophy to such a worthy winner."

Alive Leisure Race Director Roger Partridge added: "This award is testament to all the hard work that goes into organising this event.  We couldn't do it without all the support we get from volunteers and our partner organisations.  It is a real community effort and I know that everyone gives it 100% to keep making it better each year."

Jon Benstead, Divisional Purchasing Manager of Bespak, said: "Bespak is proud to be associated with this award-winning event.  We have sponsored it from the start and have watched it grow into the success it is now.  We would like to congratulate everyone involved in helping to achieve this accolade and look forward to being part of the event's continued success."

The first event took place in 2006.  Organised by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk, it has taken place annually since then although a few changes have taken place over the years.  The number of people entering the event has gone from strength to strength.

This year's event takes place on Sunday, 3 May 2015. The main race will start at 10.45am in the Tuesday Market Place in King's Lynn, with the mini-GEAR fun run starting at 10am. The fast, flat course takes runners on a loop through the town centre, through The Walks and along the waterfront, showcasing some of the town's key heritage and retail areas. The course is suitable for runners of all abilities, including wheelchair athletes.

Peter Lemon, Chair of Alive Leisure, added: "Well done to all involved, this is an excellent achievement.    Alive Leisure is now responsible for organising the event on behalf of the Borough Council and we are keen to ensure that we continue to build on the success of this event."

The Bespak GEAR is a UKA and BARR Gold-Graded event. The cost of entry is £17 for affiliated runners and £19 for unaffiliated runners. To enter, runners must be aged 15 or over on race day. The Bespak Mini GEAR 1.2m fun run is open to anyone over 6 years of age (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult). The cost of entry for Bespak Mini GEAR is £6.00 for adults, £5.00 for under 16s and £4.00 for under 8s.

There are generous cash prizes for Bespak GEAR category winners and everyone taking part will receive a quality medal and goody bag.

Enter online now at www.grandeastangliarun.co.uk.

For all the latest information follow on Twitter @GEARKL or like on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BespakGEAR.
 
The Bespak Grand East Anglia Run and Mini GEAR fun run is a Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk event, organised by Alive Leisure and sponsored by Bespak.