2016 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon preview

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    • ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon

     

    The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon takes place in Trafford on Sunday 10th April 2016 and promises to be a day of sporting greatness and lively entertainment for runners and spectators. 

    The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is the UK’s flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon, and the British-only prize fund secures a top quality British elite field year after year. The 26.2 mile race attracts athletes of all levels and abilities, from first time marathoners to club runners and elite athletes seeking a PB or qualifying time. Many runners lining up on the start line will also be raising money for charity including the official charities Cancer Research UK, The Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

    The Running Awards shortlistThe race was voted the UK’s Best Marathon by runners at The 2015 Running Awards for the 2nd consecutive year and has again been shortlisted for this year’s Running Awards which takes place in London on Friday 22nd April. Voting in the Best Marathon category is open until 6pm on Wednesday 20th April, and the organisers are encouraging runners, spectators and supporters to cast their vote asap online http://therunningawards.com/vote/30/31#vote to help the race secure a third consecutive win.

    Organisers of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon have also confirmed that the race has been approved by AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, which will bring further international recognition to the race along with increased profile for its sponsors, runners and the city itself.

    The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016 will be started by athletics legend Dr Ron Hill MBE. The first British runner to win the Boston Marathon and the second man to ever break 2:10 in a marathon, Hill is the perfect sporting hero to see runners off at what will be the 40th Marathon in his home town.

    The race village is based at Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire County Cricket Club on Talbot Road and will be open to athletes and spectators on race day from 07:00 – 17:00. The race starts under the Trafford Arch on the A56 at 09:00 and finishes on Talbot Road outside Emirates Old Trafford. The route takes in the Trafford Quays area, Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altrincham, Urmston and Stretford. The 2 Leg Half/Half and the 4 Leg Team Relays start at 09:30 and the start of the wheelchair race is at 08:55.

    Race day key timings: 

    • 07:00:   Race village opens including baggage storage, toilets and catering area
    • 08:15:   Warm up on the main stage on Talbot Road
    • 08:30:   Runners leave the race village to assemble in the start area
    • 08:55:   Start of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016 wheelchair race
    • 09:00:   Start of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016 by Dr Ron Hill
    • 09:30:   Start of the Team Relays (Half/Half & 4 Leg Relay)
    • 10:30   First wheelchair racers approach finish line
    • 11:10:   First marathon runners approach the finish on Talbot Road
    • 13:30   Prize giving for 1st, 2nd & 3rd male and female
    • 15:00:   Last runners finish the marathon
    • 17:00:   Race village closes

    The race brochure with all the race details and route map can be downloaded from the website, www.greatermanchestermarathon.com

    The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is not only renowned for having the flattest marathon route in the UK and one of the fastest in the world, but also for being the friendliest marathon with huge crowd and community support. Runners will be able to vote for the ‘Best Entertainment’ and ‘Best Supporting Community’ after the race, with a £500 cheque awarded to the winning groups by the organisers.

    Amongst the many acts showcasing their talent around the course this year are Sale Brass Band, The Brook DJ, Frank Sidebottom, Rock Choir, Loose Change, Wellington St Stompers, Little Belters, Magic Voices, Altrincham Children’s Choir, Samuel Brooks Pub, Tomohawks, Stretford Brass Band, The Brakes, Little Belters and Gorse Hill Studios.

    Race Director Simon Hill commented: “With just a few days to go before the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon, excitement is building ahead of what promises to be our biggest event yet. We are looking forward to welcoming the runners and the thousands of spectators who do a superb job of cheering on the runners. We would like to wish all the runners, from first-time marathon runners to our British elite field and all the charity runners the very best of luck in completing their marathon challenge on Sunday.”

    ASICS is the title sponsor for the Greater Manchester Marathon 2016. Other sponsors and partners include MLP Law, Metrolink, Runners Need, everydayhero, SiS, ERDINGER Alkoholfrei, Hotel Football, BEST WESTERN Cresta Court Hotel Altrincham and Trafford Council. 102 Capital FM is the Official Broadcasting Partner whilst Runner’s World and Athletics Weekly are Official Media Partners for the race.

    A total of 15,000 entries were available for the 2016 race. Entries for 2016 are closed but pre-registration for the 2017 race will open the day after the race.

    Please visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further race details, and for information about the Metrolink saver ticket which allows supporters and spectators to get around the course and cheer on the runners at various points throughout their marathon challenge.

    The full details about road closures and diversions are also available on the race website.

    Keep up-to-date with the latest event news on social media:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/Gtrmanchestermarathon
    Twitter: @Marathon_Mcr #manchestermarathon
    Instagram: manchestermarathon

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