Gearing up for the 15th anniversary

The Great East Anglia Run (GEAR) is once again set to grace the Norfolk market town of King’s Lynn on Sunday 3^rd May.

The ever scenic 10K course, which decorates local sights such as Red Mount & Greyfriars Tower with enthusiastic fundraisers, club runners and fun runners alike has become a regional tradition and this year looks to celebrate its 15^th anniversary.

Children from South Wootton Junior School in King’s Lynn pulled on their trainers today to help launch one of the region’s most popular charity family fun runs.

Bespak have pledged their continued support and will once again sponsor the Mini GEAR, which sees children lace up to kick start the day with the 1.2 mile run. Children from aged 6+ are all welcomed, with those under 8 years of age accompanied by an adult. The Bespak finisher’s goody bag and medal are awarded to celebrate their achievements.

Thanks to title sponsors Bespak, 150 places are available to local schools to allow pupils to take part for FREE; each school is eligible for 10 complimentary entries. 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd prizes are awarded to the 3 schools with the highest percentage turn out of pupils on their registers, these prizes come in the form of cash pots to purchase educational equipment for the school, with 1^st place taking away £1000.

The Bespak Corporate Challenge will also be back for 2020. This fight for the fastest firm has become a featured favourite and sees teams comprising a minimum of 5 runners, battle it out for the crown, with team averages taken from the 3 fastest times within each team used to calculate the winner. 

With prizes for the quickest male and female runners also available, it is a great way to inject some competitive rivalry between colleagues, friends, family and other firms within the region.

Already set to line up alongside Bespak in the Corporate Challenge are GEAR run debutants Maze Media, Regional Foster Families and Kenneth Bush Solicitors and return runners, Stephenson Smart & Williams Refrigeration.

Sarah Fairbrother, Director at Ward Gethin Archer, said: “The atmosphere is great and creates a real buzz in the town. Here at Ward Gethin Archer we’re proud of our local roots and love to support local events wherever we can.  Our staff are always keen to take part in the GEAR 10K and run alongside other local businesses and our team seems to grow every year.  We’re very much looking forward to GEAR 2020!”

Amanda Davies, Director at Kenneth Bush Solicitors, said: “This is the first time Kenneth Bush has entered a team into the GEAR 10K Corporate Challenge and for some of the team this will be their first race.  Kenneth Bush is a King’s Lynn firm and with the amazing atmosphere the event brings, this has inspired us to enter.  Training is well underway, and the team is very excited to be part of this challenge.”

Henry Myers, Corporate Sales Executive at event organisers Run For All, said: “Both the Bespak Mini GEAR and Corporate Challenge have become feature favourites of this event, illustrating how there really is a run for all, from families to companies - It’s great to see everyone getting involved.”

Michael Earl, Commercial Vice President at Bespak Consort Medical said: “We are delighted to be supporting both events again this year. Along with promoting a bit of friendly rivalry, the Bespak Corporate Challenge contributes to the brilliant race day atmosphere. It’s also a great opportunity to fundraise for local charities. The Bespak Mini GEAR is such a fun event that all the family can get involved in. Good luck to all who sign up – we look forward to taking part with you or cheering you along on the day.”

Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the GEAR 10K forms part of the Asda Foundation series of runs which, along with King’s Lynn, includes events in Lincoln, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Hull, Derby, Nottingham, Burnley, York, Middlesbrough.