Run the Great Eastern Run for Cambridgeshire Deaf Association
A free place in Peterborough’s half marathon, a free British Sign Language session for you and a friend, and a team behind you all the way to the finish line.
- Sunday 10 October 2027*
- 13.1 miles
- Peterborough
- Free place
*Date to be confirmed by the race organisers.
Everything you need to get round
You do not need to be an experienced runner. Whether you already run every week or have only ever thought “maybe I could do a half marathon one day”, we will help you get there.
A free BSL session
Two hours of beginner’s British Sign Language with us, for you and a partner, friend or family member. Learn the basics, and maybe sign your way over the finish line.
A free race place
We pay for your entry to the AEPG Great Eastern Run, so you can put everything you raise towards deaf sport.
Your #TeamCDA top
Run in a #TeamCDA running top, so the crowd and the rest of the team can spot you on the course.
A training plan
A plan to get you from where you are now to 13.1 miles, whether this is your first half marathon or your tenth.
Fundraising help
We set you up with a JustGiving page, share your story on our socials and give you ideas that work.
A team on race day
Our gazebo in the event village, somewhere to leave your bag, and the CDA team cheering you over the line.
Read the transcript
Paul Stainton, MC: “We’ve also got to say thank you to Peterborough City Council. Without them, this wouldn’t happen either. This is an amazing day. So beautiful to see so many people here for the biggest ever Great Eastern Run.”
The race winner: “I knew I had the strongest kick left in me if I could just stay with the front guys.”
Cllr Dr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council: “Today the Great Eastern Run has brought 8,000 runners together. And I’m so pleased that Cambridgeshire Deaf Association has taken part. Collaboratively, all of the runners have raised over £600,000. That’s more than half a million pounds for charity.”
Jessica Starrs, #TeamCDA: “Both my grandparents were deaf, and they were born deaf. They’ve now passed away, but they lived in Scotland, so I’ve always been around the deaf society. So it’s really, really important to spread awareness as well.”
Ross Penman, #TeamCDA: “We’ve had family members who’ve learnt sign language, and so I thought I’d try and do that. Not all disabilities are visible, so I’m just trying to make some awareness for everyone.”
#TeamCDA runner: “But we made it to the end, and I’m relieved.”
Daniel Boer, #TeamCDA: “But then next year, we go again.”
What it is like on the day
In October 2026, four #TeamCDA runners finished what MC Paul Stainton called the biggest ever Great Eastern Run. Kirsty Dorkenoo volunteered her time to interpret in BSL on the main stage alongside him, so deaf runners and spectators could follow the announcements as they happened.
The Leader of Peterborough City Council, Cllr Dr Shabina Qayyum, stopped by to thank CDA for everything we do for deaf people in the city.
“It’s always tough, but I gave it the best effort.”
Jessica Starrs, #TeamCDA 2026, finished in 2:07
“A wasp stung me before the race, so I thought I’d have an excuse not to run. But I didn’t, I had to run it.”
#TeamCDA runner, 2026
Sport where deaf people can join in and be understood
We ask every runner to aim to raise £200 or more. All of it goes into the CDA Sports Club: deaf boxing, walking football, children’s football, pickleball and the Cambs Hammers deaf football teams.
Most sport runs on hearing. Whistles, shouted instructions, coaching from the other side of the pitch. Our sessions are built so deaf people, people with hearing loss, CODAs (children of deaf adults) and hearing friends and family can all turn up and take part together.
- Fill in the form below. It takes about two minutes.
- We get in touch to confirm your place and answer any questions.
- You get your training plan, your JustGiving page and your BSL session date.
- Race day: meet the team at the CDA gazebo, run, and collect your medal.
The AEPG Great Eastern Run
The Great Eastern Run is Peterborough’s half marathon. The 13.1 mile course starts and finishes at The Embankment beside the River Nene and runs through the city centre. It is one of the flatter half marathons in the country, on closed roads with chip timing, water stations, pacers and a finisher’s medal, which makes it a popular first half marathon. Runners must be 17 or over on race day, and there is a cut off of three and a half hours.
Questions
Do I need to be an experienced runner?
No. Plenty of our runners are doing their first half marathon. You get a training plan, and you are welcome to walk parts of it.
Do I need to be deaf, or know any sign language?
No. #TeamCDA is open to anyone. Deaf and hard of hearing runners are very welcome, and if you have any access or communication needs, tell us on the form and we will talk it through with you.
What if I am worried about raising £200?
Talk to us first. Most runners find it easier than they expect once friends and family know what they are doing, and we will help with ideas and social media posts.
Can I sign up with a friend?
Yes. Each of you fills in the form, and you can bring each other as your guest to the free BSL session.
When will I hear back?
A member of our team will be in touch after you sign up. If you have not heard from us within a couple of weeks, email office@cambsdeaf.org.
Claim your free #TeamCDA place
Places are limited. Fill in the form and we will be in touch.
Problem with the form? Email office@cambsdeaf.org and we will sign you up.
Not running this time?
You can still be part of #TeamCDA. Sponsor our runners, come and help at the gazebo on race day, or go further with our place in the TCS London Marathon 2027.
Sponsor #TeamCDAVolunteer with usLondon Marathon 2027