Thousands of participants cross the finish line at Portman Road Stadium as the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon returns.

Thousands of participants, volunteers and spectators took to the streets of Ipswich this morning for the return of the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon and saw the female course record broken in 01:15:55, knocking the previous course record out by 4 minutes and 34 seconds.

With the day centred around running, fundraising and community spirit, it was a huge success, raising thousands for local charities; many for the event’s official partner charities, others for causes close to their hearts, all with a goal to make a difference to others. 

Kicking off at 09.30, participants set off from the home of Ipswich Town FC at Portman Road Stadium and headed out on a route passing many of the town’s landmarks including Holywells Park, Ipswich Waterfront and the River Orwell. Competitors then returned to the Stadium for their big finish where they received their well-earned medal and were met with cheers from supporters and loved ones. 

Many competitive elite races took place within the Half Marathon as a number of the region’s leading athletes aimed for the top of the scoreboards. 

In the men’s race, Cooper Berry triumphed with a time of 01:08:58, whilst Holly Archer was first to the finish line with an impressive time of 01:15:55 in the women’s race, a new Ipswich Half Marathon record.

Robert Seseman took second place with a time of 01:12:38, followed by Osman Adam who took third place in a time of 01:15:06.  

This was followed by Kat Parnell and Katie King who clocked times of 01:24:54 and 01:25:15 respectively. 

But the real winners were the many local and national charities, who will benefit from the efforts of the many people who took part, raising thousands of pounds in the process and making a vital difference.

Participants were encouraged to fundraise for a charity of their choice, or for one of the event’s official partner charities: Ending Life’s Taboo, Families Together Suffolk, Ipswich Town Foundation, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Lighthouse, St Elizabeth Hospice, RSPCA – Suffolk Central Branch, Suffolk Mind and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.  

More than just a day of running, the day also highlighted the incredible communities in and around Ipswich, from running clubs, volunteers and schools, with all areas showing their support. 

Following a successful multi-year partnership,  regional accountants and business advisors, Larking Gowen will continue to work in partnership with Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All for the Ipswich Half Marathon until 2027.   

Run For All and Larking Gowen work together to inspire, motivate and empower participants of all abilities and ages to take on one the region’s largest mass participation running events in the county of Suffolk. 

Ian Fitch, Partner at Larking Gowen said “We're proud to be the headline sponsors of the Ipswich Half marathon.  Congratulations to all the inspiring runners and fundraisers, and we can't wait to see you back on the course next year!” 

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All said: “A huge well done and thank you to all participants who joined us for one of Suffolk’s flagship running events, the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon. 

“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants to the many spectators, as well as sponsors, partners and volunteers involved, all ensured the day was a great success.” 

This event is supported by Larking Gowen, Ipswich Borough Council, BBC Radio Suffolk, Ipswich Football Club, Ipswich Fit, Jaffa Running Club, Arla Protein, High5, Coopah, Shokz, Gradwell, Marathon Photos Live, Project Servator and JogOn. 

Entries are now open for the 2026 Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, which will be staged on Sunday 27th September 2026.  

Potential participants are advised to go to www.runforall.com for a limited time-only discounted offer.