Record entries for Bespak GEAR and mini GEAR

On Sunday, 4 May 2013, the streets of King's Lynn are once again set to be filled with runners and spectators as the annual Bespak Grand East Anglia Run and Mini GEAR takes place with more people than ever set to take part this year.

Around 2000 runners are expected to take part in the main event with a further 750 entries for the Mini-GEAR Fun Run, figures that surpass entries levels for all previous years.

The race will set off from the town's historic Tuesday Market Place at 10.30am and the course will take runners on a loop through the town centre, through The Walks and along the waterfront, showcasing some of King's Lynn's key heritage and retail areas.

Borough Council Cabinet Member Elizabeth Nockolds, said: "It's brilliant to see that so many people have entered this event.  It has just gone from strength to strength and I am particularly pleased to see such a strong entry for the Mini GEAR. I hope that the weather stays fine and that residents and visitors will come out in force to cheer the runners on, as they make their way around the course."

"There is plenty to enjoy in the town too, so I am hoping that spectators will watch the race and then make the most of the shops and restaurants while they are in King's Lynn." Elizabeth added.

Sports Development Manager and Race Director, Roger Partridge, said: "We're set for a really exciting event this year. We are going to get some excellent competition and we are hopeful that someone will get a sub 30 minute time, breaking the record, set by Tedele Geremew, from Elswick Harriers,  of 30 minutes and 18 seconds."

"Last year's winner of the ladies race, Faye Fullerton (handicap 1.7) from Havering Mayesbrook AC, will be back to defend her title and we have the added excitement this year of hosting the British Masters Championships which has attracted some of the country's top veteran runners.  Locally Malcolm Tuff (handicap 0.8) and Matt Pyatt (handicap MINUS 0.5) should come in under 35 mins and feature in their respective categories.  We also have Gordon Lee (handicap MINUS 2.2) competing, who is ranked no 3 in Great Britain at 10k in his age group (M45).  I think we are going to see some really impressive performances this year."

"Entries for the event are coming from all over the country, so GEAR is definitely building a big reputation and is now definitely a firm fixture on the athletics calendar."

Roger continued: "We've had marvellous support from the community generally, with many local companies providing items for the goody bags, and of course the event would not be possible without the help and support of all the volunteers behind the scenes and on race day itself. The responses we’ve received to requests for help have been outstanding. We are so grateful for everyone's generosity."

Bespak's new Managing Director Keyvan Djamarani said: "Being associated with the town's largest sporting event is very important to Bespak. This event promotes health and wellbeing and fits in well with our business. We understand that this year the entries for the Mini GEAR had to be closed because we had reached the course limit.  We delighted to see such a marvellous response to this event.  It's been a pleasure to see the Mini GEAR Fun Run go from strength to strength and become a popular part of the main event. The whole event helps to encourage more people, especially young people, into taking up running as part of healthy lifestyle."

Roads, including London Road, King Street and Queen Street, will be closed from 9.45am until 12.30pm while the race is in progress. The Tuesday Market Place will be closed to vehicles from 8am until 2pm. Details of all road closures can be found on the race website http://www.grandeastangliarun.co.uk.

All car parks in the town, except Tuesday Market Place and Common Staithe Quay (behind the Corn Exchange), are open and can be accessed while the roads are open. Visitors planning to arrive after 9.45am or leave before 12.30pm should use the Multi-storey, Albert Street Car Park, Austin Street, Austin Fields, Old Cattle Market (Sainsbury's), Blackfriars Street or Juniper car parks as these will all be accesible throughout the event.

The Tuesday Market Place will be buzzing with stands and stalls, including Pilch Sports from Norwich, who are also donating spot prizes for the event, Charming Rewards, Norfolk Hospice, Scotties Little Soldiers, Your Local Paper, RAF Recruitment and RAF Aux Recruitment, Race for Life. KLFM will also be broadcasting live from the event. Springwood High School’s top musicians will be near Argos in the town centre to entertain the runners as they go by. 

The King’s Lynn Samba Band will be going full tilt outside the Bank House on the South Quay to spur the runners on their way.