Ipswich Jaffa Running Club host the Ekiden Relays annually. This is a team event over the marathon distance broken down in to six legs of two 10K’s, two 5k’s and one 7.5k leg. The Ekiden is a race which orginated in Japan where teams of runners competed in a relay over long distances.In 2014, there were 150 teams entered.
It is a tremendous atmosphere and run around a superb circuit for veiwing in the grounds of Woodbridge School.
I recent years the Newmarket Joggers have embraced this event and this year were strongly represented. The mens veteran team of Paul Holley, Alex Cairns,Neville Clarke, Paul Francis, Robin Clifford and David Williams were 2nd in there class in a great time of 2.39.08.
The Ladies Open team consisting of Grainne Brennan,Lisa Redman,Nicky Chapman,Meera Mahadevan,Karine Ferrin and Carolynn Anderson were 6th in their class in a fabulous time of 3.14.57.
The Mens Open team were Kevin Connolly, Clive Purbrook, Martyn Taylor, Joe Sadler, Sam Sadler and Gavin Moody. They had a solid performance finishing with a combined total of 2.47.57.
They also produced a mixed team consisting of Kathryn Lowrie, Helen Wass, Jim Withers, Pearl Fay, Brian Munns and Kate Warboys. They combined very well to finish with a total of 3.37.53.