The Saxons are celebrating their twentieth anniversary as a running and fitness club based at Carlton Park in Saxmundham.
A highlight of the club’s running calendar is the hosting of the annual 5 Mile Race, which takes place this year on Sunday 5th October.
On offer is a multi-terrain course on footpaths, fields, and roads, open to all runners aged 15 and over and this year is part of the Suffolk Grand Prix fixtures 2025. A popular junior fun run is also held before the main race.
Race director
This year’s Race Director is Sarah Vick. Sarah has been a member of Saxmundham Running & Fitness Club since it began in 2005 and is also the Club’s Treasurer. Thanks to the Club’s input and with hard work and training, Sarah has achieved success in races across the globe. Competing at Championship level and representing Great Britain, she has run 19 marathons with an impressive personal best time of 3hrs 40 mins 1 second.
Sarah said: “Members owe a lot to Gordon Merfield, the founder of the Club and Lifetime President, without Gordon the Saxons wouldn’t be in existence. Gordon got a number of us who joined initially to try different things. He’d always done triathlons so there were people doing triathlons, adventure races, duathlons, cross country; it wasn’t just road running.”
Running for The Saxons
Sarah progressed to running three or four marathons a year and following the Felixstowe half marathon qualified for a place in the 2007 New York Marathon. That same year a Club place enabled Sarah to take part in the Great North Run.
Sarah said: “That was a great experience as it was at the height of Paula Radcliffe’s success. Myself and other club runners were in the pen behind and saw her warm up. That was my half marathon personal best, a time of 1 hour 33 mins 55 seconds. If I could get anywhere near that now I’d be ecstatic!”
Other of Sarah’s running highlights include the 2008 British Masters Marathon Championships in Anglesey when world champion hurdler Colin Jackson presented Sarah with a gold medal.
In 2009, at the European Half Marathon Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, Sarah won a bronze medal and was proud to find herself standing on the podium.
Today Sarah continues to represent the Saxons at events across the county. In twenty years the Club has grown from approximately 30 to to over 80 members.
“I’m proud to have been a part of The Saxons for twenty years. Our race this year is an opportunity to take part in a friendly local race with a great atmosphere and we’re proud to be part of the Grand Prix Series this year. We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors for their support.”
Five Mile Race
The annual Saxons Five Mile Race takes place at 11 a,m. on Sunday 5th October at Carlton Park, IP17 1AT.
The junior fun run starts at 10.15 am and costs £3 to enter, and the main race for ages 15 and over starts at 11 am. Registration costs £17 or £15 for affiliated club runners. Each runner receives a commemorative medal and goody bag, plus cakes and refreshments are available to purchase.
The Saxons would like to thank all the 2025 race sponsors including My Mortgage Planner, Marshall and Lilley Opticians, Fairweather Law, Flick & Son, The Poachers Pocket, Priority Ltd, Fuller Fencing Ltd, Stay in Suffolk, Christies Care, Wag & Bone, Emmerdale Farm Shop, Coes department store, Angel Podiatry and O & C Butcher.
Peter Crawley, Director of My Mortgage Planner, with branches in Ipswich and Saxmundham comments: “The Saxons Five Mile Race is a fantastic community event, and I see running as a brilliant way to bring people together – regardless of ability or experience. That’s one of the things I love most about the sport; it’s inclusive, accessible, and encourages everyone to challenge themselves in a supportive environment. I’m really looking forward to being there with my family and colleagues, soaking up the atmosphere and supporting everyone taking part. It promises to be a fantastic community event and we’re proud to support something so positive in the local area.”
Sponsors show of support
Marshall and Lilley Opticians said: “We have been in Leiston now for 35 years, and enjoy looking after the eye sight and health of the locals, and providing an exciting range of stylish eyewear. We always like to support local groups where we can, and running is a great way to improve general health. We wish The Saxons every success with the race.”
The Poachers Pocket based in Carlton said: “We are delighted to once again be sponsoring this fantastic local event. As a local pub we feel its important to give back to the community who support us so loyally, and a race that literally goes past our doorstep is the perfect opportunity. We wish all participants the best of luck and hope to see a few of your faces after the finish line!”
Flick & Son estate agents said: “We are delighted to be back sponsoring this fantastic event that just seems to get bigger each year. I would personally like to congratulate The Saxons on their twentieth anniversary and thank everyone involved in organising this fantastic event.”
Fairweather Law Ltd said: “We have sponsored the race before and it was a great success. Our staff will be keen to take part on the day and we are looking forward to the family-friendly vibe.”
Stay in Suffolk said: “We are delighted to support this community race. The Saxons is a fantastic club and asset to the town and surrounding area.”
To enter the race visit the Five Mile Race.