ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon confirms 2018 date with Pre-registration Now Open

The organisers of the award-winning ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford have confirmed that the 2018 race will take place on Sunday 8^th April and that pre-registration is open.

Anyone wishing to run next spring is strongly encouraged to pre-register in order to get the lowest possible price and guaranteed entry to the race.

 

All those who have pre-registered will have the privilege of a one-week period in which the entry system is open only to them; this will run from midday on Monday 26^th June until 23:59 on Monday 3^rd July 2017. Limited entries will be available at a special opening price of £45 and pre-registrants will have the best chance to secure one of the discounted places.

 

General entries will open to the public at 9am on Tuesday 4^th July.

 

The system has been designed to reward the many loyal fans of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon, which is now entering its 42^nd year, with priority registration and discounted entry. A record number of athletes have already pre-registered and it is expected that many more will do so now that the official date has been announced.

 

Registrations will also be boosted by the race’s recent win at The Running Awards 2017, where the ASICS Greater Manchester was voted the UK’s Best Marathon (≥ 5,000) by runners. A prestigious accolade, it reflects the race’s great popularity within the running community and its reputation as a must-do race in the sporting calendar. The race won Gold in the same category in 2014 and 2015.

 

Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research UK have been confirmed as Official Charities, whilst the Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity return as the Official Local Charity Partners for the 2018 race.

 

The AIMS-accredited ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is enjoyed for being a day of sporting success, superb atmosphere and first-class entertainment. The race sees a high number of participants achieve a PB thanks to the superfast course, making it ideal for elite athletes and club runners as well as those running a marathon for the very first time. It is also a great platform to showcase home talent, with a British- and Irish-only prize fund ensuring a top-quality British and Irish elite field and a very real chance of reaching the podium.

 

The 26.2-mile route takes in Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altrincham, Urmston and Stretford, and culminates in a glorious 8m-wide finish outside Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club and Trafford Town Hall, where spectators can enjoy the gardens whilst waiting for finishers.

 

The support from the crowds and live music provides encouragement every step of the way and the city is very much behind the 15,000 participants who come to take on one of Manchester’s biggest sporting events.

 

Race Director Sarah Bennett commented: “We are delighted to confirm the date of the 2018 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon which has been eagerly awaited by those wishing to secure their place on the start line next year. We are also thrilled to be able to offer exclusive, discounted entry for all those who pre-register and hope that many will take advantage of this priority period and lower fees.

 

“The 2017 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon was a great success and we are looking forward to building on this to deliver an even bigger and better race for 2018. We will be welcoming athletes from near and far to the 42^nd edition of the race and now is definitely the time to book your spot at the UK’s favourite marathon.” 

 

Cathy McGinnis, ASICS Marketing Manager UK & Ireland said: “ASICS is proud to continue as the headline sponsor of the Greater Manchester Marathon for the 5^th consecutive year. The race is a key event in the running calendar for athletes of all levels from near and far, and we are looking forward to supporting the runners on their personal journeys to race day.”

The 2017 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon men’s title was claimed by Patrick Martin (handicap -4.3) with a time of 02:22:37 and the women’s title was won by Georgie Bruinvels  (handicap 0.3) in 02:37:03.

 

Pre-registration for the 2018 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is open now. All those who have pre-registered will have exclusive access to the online entry system from Monday 26^th June to Monday 3^rd July 2017. General entries will then open on Tuesday 4^th July.

 

Visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com to pre-register and for further race details.

You can also like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Gtrmanchestermarathon and follow @Marathon_Mcr #ManchesterMarathon on Twitter and manchestermarathon on Instagram.