After a 16 week training plan, I lined up with 3102 other runners at 9:25am at the Ipswich Town Football Club Stadium on a dry, warm Sunday 27th September 2026 to take part in the Ipswich Half Marathon, my first half marathon.
Training had been going fairly well until 3 weeks from the race when I got injured with IT Band issue on my right knee, the next three weeks were full of Physio Appointments, Exercises and gym workouts in an attempt to get fit enough to be on the start line, what would I complete it?
Run Route :
For the first 7 miles all was going well, the knee was holding up and I was making good time and felt good. Then I faced Freston Hill, it was a slog and yes I walked most of it, the next kilometer around Freston Village was hard but manageable. Then you start the decent but down Freston Hill, trouble is at this point you see a beautiful view back to Ipswich with the River Orwell and Orwell Bridge looking stunning in the Sun and the Football Ground in the far distance, then it hits you how far you have to go back to the Football Ground!
The last 4 Km was a walk run effort, it was very warm, and going was tough, but I did it! I completed my first Half Marathon in a time of 2hrs 33min and 39Sec. Not going to lie I was hopping for a sub 2:30 time, but with the injury I’m relieved and proud of just completing it.
Route :
Did I enjoy it, Yes, was it tough, oh yes, would I do it again, you bet. I have already signed up for the Ipswich Half Marathon 2027.
Would you do it? Visit the Website : https://www.runforall.com/events/half-marathon/ipswich-half-marathon/
