2017 Tour of Tameside launched at Talk of the Tour evening

Last Tuesday night the 2017 Tour of Tameside was launched at, what will become, an annual ‘Talk of the Tour’ evening.

Over 50 fans of the iconic running event descended upon the Grafton Centre in Hyde, to enjoy an evening of reminiscing running memories and reacquainting themselves with competitors that they have been shoulder to shoulder with over the years.

Graham Jackson, Race Director for the Tour of Tameside and former Tour legend himself said “It brought back so many fond memories seeing and chatting to the runners from back in-the-day and also the past two years. The Tour of Tameside is such an important event on the calendar; we are delighted that it remains an important event for everyone in the borough”.

Former four time winner, Bashir Hussain, and three time winner, Jackie Newton, met up with the Tour of Tameside creator Dr Ron Hill MBE and Neil Atherton who forms part of the ‘Famous 4’ who ran every edition of the Tour since its inception. Along with other friends of the tour, they had a chance to look through the magnificent photographic collection as well as memorabilia on display that certainly transported people back to the 1980’s and 1990’s!

There were also many there who had heard about the Tour of Tameside but have yet to run it, and they were encouraged to book on to the 2017 event and be a part of what will surely be another event to remember.

Chief Executive of Tameside Borough Council Steven Plesant MBE was a guest on stage during the evening, who highlighted the importance of the Tour of Tameside to the region both as a vehicle for mobilising residents to become more aware of adopting an active lifestyle but also the way in which the Tour brings together the boroughs residents, businesses and charities. Steven himself is an active person, actually arriving last night on his bicycle and ran elements of the Tour both this year and in 2015!

Tameside Mayor Councillor Philip Fitzpatrick was another guest who took to the microphone to reinforce his delight in the Tour of Tameside being an integral community-focussed event that everyone can become involved with; from volunteering and to running through to sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

Local micro-brewery Tweed Brewery Co. ensured all who attended were able to sample two of their most popular real ales and this was a fantastic addition to the evening and will form a part of our ‘Athlete Village’ on each stage of the 2017 Tour of Tameside.

Two of Tameside’s biggest employers have again reengaged with the event as Main Sponsor’s for 2017. Hyde-based Kerry Foods, who have Walls, Richmond and Mattessons amongst their key brands will be entering their second year association with the Tour.

New Charter Group, who’s mission it is to provide great homes, great neighbourhoods and great people will be making 2017 their third consecutive year of support and without these partnerships the Tour wouldn’t exist in its current format.

Kevin Harmer, UK Events and Sponsorship Manager for the Tour of Tameside said “We had a fantastic evening celebrating the Tour of Tameside with those who have contributed hugely to it over a number of years. With runners, local councillors, businesses and fans coming together – it was a great night and hopefully everyone has gone home enthused for the 2017 event!”.

The 2017 event will be a four day festival of running  which will take in the best sights and sounds that Tameside has to offer. A variety of running routes and terrains will challenge participants both physically and mentally, all stages are carefully chosen so as to be achievable by runners of all abilities.

The original week-long Tour was founded by marathon legend Dr Ron Hill MBE in 1983, the event was a huge hit and we are extremely proud of the support shown by our sponsors, supporters and of course, runners in 2015 and hope for bigger and better in 2016!

You can enter any of the four individual Tour of Tameside stages or if you wish take on the full Tour.

The Tour starts on Thursday 15th June with the 10k Cross Trail.

Friday 16th June takes you to Stalybridge where legs take a bit of a beating at the six mile Hell on the Fell Race

Saturday 17th June then challenges you to push through the DOMS at the Longdendale Trail Half Marathon

The finale is on Sunday 18th June with the Dr. Ron Hyde 7 Mile Race.