Rochdale will stage a Half Marathon, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run for the first time in August.
The new event will be staged on Sunday 23 August and opens for entrants at 9am on Saturday 21 March.
Runners will get on their marks by Rochdale Town Hall and set out on traffic-free courses taking in town and countryside.
All races start and finish by the famous town hall. The 10K route leaves the Esplanade along Entwisle road, before heading towards Milnrow via Albert Royds Street. It then heads up Buckley Lane, turning near its end before returning to Rochdale Town Hall. The half marathon does the same route except the turning point is further down Buckley lane and it’s a two lap course, making pacing easier. The fun run is a flat, fast one mile, accessible to runners of all abilities, heading out along Entwisle Road and turning just after Rochdale Leisure Centre.
Councillor Janet Emsley, Cabinet Member for Community, Culture and Tourism said it will be one of the highlights of the borough’s sporting calendar:
“This is a really exciting new event for Rochdale, having 3 races on the same day, starting and finishing by our stunning town hall. Much planning has gone into the routes, presenting really varied traffic free courses and a real quality event. Following on from Rochdale hosting a game in the Rugby League World Cup in 2013 and Le Tour de France last year this is another great opportunity to showcase the borough at its best.”
The event is being staged by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with leading race organiser Cannonball Events.
John Lloyd from Cannonball Events said:
“We have been looking to organise a Half Marathon in the region for some time and I’m really pleased we’re now able to bring this new event to Rochdale. It’s a scenic route encompassing urban areas, historic landmarks and beautiful scenery. I want this race to be one that people will be excited about and become a must do event on the running calendar."
Early booking is advised as just 1000 places will be available for the Half Marathon, 1000 for the 10K and 500 for the fun run.
All three races will be available to enter online at www.rochdale.gov.uk from 9am on Saturday 21 March.
All routes are chip timed, fully marshalled, signed and will have water stations at regular intervals. There will be a free medal, T-shirt and goody bag for finishers.
20 Mar 2015