Text and pics contributed by Rachael.
The regular IOG runs take place every Thursday evening starting at 6.30pm from the Wolsey statue on St Peters Street, Ipswich. We ran a variety of routes during 2024, normally with a distance of about 4–6 miles.
During the summer months, we made use of the local green spaces with various routes out through the Christchurch, Gippeswyk, Bourne, Holywells, Landseer and Orwell Country Parks, and Brazier’s Wood. We also ran along the river path out towards Sproughton and Bramford, and on one occasion, out along the river through the Orwell Country Park to Levington.
During the autumn and winter months, as the daylight hours fade and the parks are closed earlier, we have explored many of the quiet streets, alleys and linking paths in the town.
It hasn’t all been running though; a few times we have combined the running with a bit of quizzing or a rehydrating drink afterwards.
The Halloween run was done in fancy dress – we may have scared a few children out doing their trick or treating that night. Afterwards we headed to the Halloween quiz at the Thomas Wolsey pub where we won the prize for the best-dressed team.
The year was finished with a Christmas “Burger and Beer/Rum” evening, another opportunity for a fancy dress run.
Sadly, one of our regular runners left Ipswich to go and live up north this year. However, I am planning an IOG running weekend away trip to Teesdale to go and visit him soon.
If anyone fancies joining us for 2025, we will be running again on Thursdays at 6.30pm from the Wolsey statue on St Peters Street, Ipswich.