Steven Bayton & Kelly Crickmore win in Manchester

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    • Manchester

    The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon took place in Trafford yesterday Sunday 10th April 2016 and it delivered a day of sporting greatness, lively entertainment, inspirational stories and fantastic athletics performances.

    It was a fine and sunny morning when the runners were lining up on the start line under the Trafford Arch on the A56. Manchester running legend Dr Ron Hill started the race at 9am, and a group of ten runners took the lead straight from the start with five of them still leading by half way. It was a close gap between Steven Bayton of Hallamshire Harriers and Kevin Rojas of Brighton & Hove AC, but Bayton, who was competing in his first ever marathon, managed to extend the gap from mile 18 onwards and took the winning title in a time of 02:22:34. Kevin Rojas claimed 2nd place in 02:23:03 and Salford Harrier Nathan Kilcourse came third in 02:25:08.

    Kelly Crickmore ManchesterIn the women’s field Samantha Amend of Belgrave Harriers was in the lead until mile 22 before Kelly Crickmore of Stockport Harriers pulled up and went on to secure the title in a time of 02:48:04. Runner up Amend finished in 02:52:07 and Anne Holyland of Wreake Runners took third place in 02:52:52.

    John Smith of Tunbridge Wells Harriers claimed the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon wheel chair race title in ahead of Mark Telford, and Mexican athlete Alicia Ibarra won the female wheel chair race.

    For the first time this year the race village was based at Emirates Old Trafford, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club, and over 9,500 runners crossed the finish line on Talbot Road outside the iconic stadium. The Half/Half and 4 Leg Team Relays also took place again, giving runners the opportunity to experience the marathon atmosphere and to raise money for charity without covering the full marathon distance.

    The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is the UK’s flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon, and the British-only prize fund attracts a top quality British elite field year after year. The 26.2 mile race sees 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 raised money for charity including the official charities Cancer Research UK, The Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

    The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon course takes in the Trafford Quays area, Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altrincham, Urmston and Stretford, and sees a lot of support from the communities en route.

    Results (provisional) – ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016:

    Male:

    1. Steven Bayton (Hallamshire Harriers), 02:22:34
    2. Kevin Rojas (Brighton & Hove AC), 02:23:03
    3. Nathan Kilcourse (Salford Harriers), 02:25:08

    Female:

    1. Kelly Crickmore (Stockport Harriers), 02:48:04
    2. Samantha Amend (Belgrave Harriers), 02:52:07
    3. Anne Holyland (Wreake Runners), 02:52:52

    The full results are available on the website http://www.chiprace.co.uk/Results.aspx?CId=38&RId=1217

    Race Director Simon Hill commented: “Last Sunday saw the happening of the 40th Manchester Marathon, and we delivered our biggest event yet. Congratulations to our winners, and to everyone who took part.

    “I would like to thank all the runners who chose to run the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon this year, and to all the spectators, supporters, marshals and volunteers who cheer on the runners and contribute to the race being known as not only the flattest and fastest but also the friendliest marathon.

    “Following our post-event debrief we shall be making further improvements for the 2017 race to make it better than ever and a great experience for our runners.

    “A big thank you also goes to our title sponsor ASICS and all our other sponsors for their continued support, to the official charities and to all the local communities who were working with us.”

    Cathy McGinnis, ASICS Marketing Manager UK & Ireland said: “ASICS are proud to be the title sponsor of the Greater Manchester Marathon, congratulations to all the runners who took part. It was fantastic to see everyone complete their journey to marathon day and cross the finish line today.

    “ASICS are committed to supporting runners to achieve their personal goals, and to celebrate the passion, determination and dedication of marathoners.” 

    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.

    Pre-registration for the 2017 race opens today Monday 11th April and the 2017 race date will be confirmed later this month.

    The inaugural Manchester Marathon takes place at the same venue on 16th October and entries are open, please go to http://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/ for further details and to sign up.

    Please visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for results, race photos and all further race details.

    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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