On Sunday, 6 May 2012, 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 takes place.

Around 1500 runners are expected to take part in what looks set to be another spectacular event.  Entries for the Mini-GEAR Fun Run are also up on last year with just over 350 people signed up to run.

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: "I really hope people will turn out to support the runners in this year's event.  Many are running for the first time and a high proportion are raising money for charities that are close to their hearts.  I know from my experience taking part, that it's the encouragement from the crowd that really keeps you going."

Joe Barry, Managing Director of Bespak, said: "Bespak are very proud to support this event.  It's a great way for people to improve their fitness and to raise money for charity.  I am particularly pleased to see the Mini GEAR Fun Run form such a great part of this year's event as it gives people of all ages and abilities and opportunity to take part.

Sports Development Manager and Race Director, Roger Partridge, said: "We're set for a really exciting event this year.  Last year a new course record for the women's race was set by Gemma Steel of 32 minutes and 52 seconds, with the men's title being taken by Aaron Scott, who completed the course in just 31 minutes 25 seconds."

"This is an excellent event for the town and I hope people will come in to enjoy the race and then stay to enjoy the shops and restaurants in the area."

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."

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 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, Purfleet Trust, DnA Performance & Rehab Sports Theraby from Wisbech, who will be offereing massage, and Ryston Runners, who've been running pre-race training sessions.

It's not too late to enter the event, online entries can be submitted until midnight on Thursday, 3 May.  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.