On Wednesday, 11 January 2012, Bespak Managing Director Joe Barry will be joined by Borough Council Cabinet Member Elizabeth Nockolds, former Olympian Paul Evans and Borough Council Sports Development Manager and Race Director Roger Partridge to launch this year's Bespak GEAR and Mini Gear.
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, said: "2012 is set to be a great year for sport and I am particularly proud to be launching the 7th annual Bespak Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR)and the 2nd Mini GEAR in this Olympic year. The event has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2006 and has inspired many local people to take up running. Our beginners' running courses are becoming increasingly popular and we will be organising more this year to help people get into the sport."
The Bespak GEAR is organised by the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk and sponsored by Bespak. This year it takes place on Sunday, 6 May 2012. Starting in the Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn, 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.
Cllr Nockolds added: "The Grand East Anglia Run would not be possible without the support of event sponsor Bespak so I am pleased to be able to announce that they have agreed to sponsor the event for a further three years. This is a significant commitment from them and is great news for the town, as this deal will secure the future of the event in these uncertain times."
Joe Barry, Managing Director of Bespak, said: "This is a major event in the King's Lynn calendar and Bespak are very proud to support it. The fact that so many people are able to raise money for a variety of charities while improving their fitness along the way results in a winning combination. The mini-GEAR run was such a success last year I am glad to see it forming part of this great occasion once again. It gives people of all ages a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the event."
Borough Council Sports Development Manager Roger Partridge is taking over as Race Director this year. He is keen to build on the success created by his predecessor Harry Collins. "I have some big shoes to fill," said Roger, "but as it's an Olympic year I'm hoping for a bumper turnout. This race has so much to offer for runners of all abilities - it's fast, flat and wheelchair friendly. I will be working hard to attract competitors from near and far so that they can witness first hand the atmosphere of this town centre race as well as enjoy the history and heritage of the area."
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 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.
