Running
Half Marathon
21.1 km
The Orwell Challenge
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Road runs in United Kingdom, Ipswich
Distances
About
An annual walk and run event organised by the Ipswich East Rotary Club, featuring marathon, half-marathon and shorter routes through the Suffolk countryside.
Pacers
Pacemaker/Pacer information and target times per start wave are provided on the Renntag für Laufende page: start times differ by wave for Marathon, Half Marathon, and Ultra Marathon, with chip timing enforced. All runners must leave HQ by 7:30 am; no one may start the full marathon after 7:30 am due to tidal restrictions.
Results
View official resultsSurface mix
- 100% asphalt
Typical weather in Ipswich
Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).
Jan7°2°
↑ 07:58
↓ 16:12
Feb8°3°
↑ 07:13
↓ 17:08
Mar10°4°
↑ 06:10
↓ 18:00
Apr13°5°
↑ 05:59
↓ 19:53
May16°9°
↑ 05:02
↓ 20:44
Jun19°12°
↑ 04:35
↓ 21:18
Jul21°14°
↑ 04:54
↓ 21:10
Aug21°14°
↑ 05:41
↓ 20:21
Sep19°12°
↑ 06:31
↓ 19:12
Oct15°9°
↑ 07:21
↓ 18:02
Nov11°6°
↑ 07:17
↓ 16:05
Dec8°4°
↑ 07:59
↓ 15:45
Route maps
What's included in entry
- Medal
- T-shirt
- Chip timing
- First aid and medical support
- Checkpoints with water & squash
- All entry fees go to Ipswich East Rotary Club charities
FAQ
What are the check-in times for runners and walkers?
For Marathon, Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon runners, HQ opens at 6:30 am and the start is at 7:00 am; all runners must leave HQ by 7:30 am. For Walkers, HQ opens at 7:00 am and the last departure for the full 25 miles is 9:00 am, with shorter route walkers able to leave up to 10:30 am.
Where is the start and finish?
The start and finish, as well as registration on the day, will be at the Gainsborough Sports Centre (Pipers Vale, Ipswich, IP3 0SP). There is ample free parking for participants and supporters.
Do I need to bring my own bottle?
Yes; it is recommended to bring your own bottle/container to drink between checkpoints. All checkpoints have water and squash available, with some also offering snacks and the opportunity to purchase hot drinks.
Are dogs allowed?
No; dogs are NOT allowed on either the walk or the run, as the route goes partially through private land without landowner permission for dogs.
Can I sign up on the day?
Signing up on the day is possible, but be prepared to wait as prior online registration is encouraged. No medal or t-shirt can be guaranteed for same-day runners, and there may be a £2 addition for non-affiliated runners.
Last updated: Jun 5, 2026, 11:43:37 PM
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