Entries Open for ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2017
Xtra Mile Events, organisers of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon, have announced that the 2017 race has been launched and that entries are now open. The 2017 date has been confirmed as Sunday 2nd April 2017.
Enjoying a reputation as the UK’s flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon, the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon attracts athletes of all abilities, from first time marathoners and charity fundraisers to club runners and elite athletes seeking a PB or qualifying time.
It is known for being a day of sporting greatness and lively festivities, with superb crowd support and first-class entertainment making it a day to remember for runners and spectators alike.
There will be a slightly amended course in 2017 and this will be measured to the international IAAF standards. Runners will set off from the Trafford Arch on the A56 next April and finish outside Emirates Old Trafford.
Voted the UK’s Best Marathon at the 2014 and 2015 Running Awards, the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is hoping for another record turn-out and substantial charity fundraising in 2017.
Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Save the Children have been confirmed as the Official National Charity Partners for 2017 whilst the Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity are the Official Local Charity Partners for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2017.
Dr Ron Hill has pledged his support again and continues to be an ambassador for this iconic marathon is his home town.
Race Director Simon Hill commented: “We are delighted to launch the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2017. This will be the 41st edition of a race with an immense history, and one which is loved the world over for being fast and friendly. We are looking forward to welcoming another strong elite field and more international runners, as well as all those running to raise money for the many charities we support each year.
“I would like to take this opportunity to assure runners that the issues with baggage at the 2016 marathon have been fully addressed. We have taken full responsibility for the correction of the system for 2017 and beyond, and we are looking forward to delivering our biggest and most successful race next April.”
Cathy McGinnis, ASICS Marketing Manager UK & Ireland said: “ASICS is delighted to continue as the headline sponsor of the Greater Manchester Marathon for the 4th consecutive year. We are committed to supporting runners through their personal journey and to achieve their sporting goals."
Trafford Council Leader, Cllr Sean Anstee, welcomed the news. He said: “Trafford is extremely pleased to now be established as the host borough for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon. To see the event gaining in popularity, and being recognised as the UK’s best marathon, one which so many runners of all ages and abilities come together to run, is fantastic. Having taken part myself and been lifted by the amazing support which lines the whole route, I will be getting my entry in early and hope to see an improvement on my time last year!”
The 2016 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon men’s title was won by Steven Bayton (handicap -4.0) with a time of 02:22:34 and the women’s title was won by Kelly Crickmore (handicap 2.3) in 02:48:04.
Entries for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2017 are now open.
For the month of June there is an early bird reduced price of £40 per individual, £70 for the 2-leg relay and £120 for the 4-leg relay. The entry fees will increase slowly from July onwards.
Please visit http://www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further race details and to secure your place on the start line.
Keep up-to-date with the latest event news on social media:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Gtrmanchestermarathon
Twitter: @Marathon_Mcr #ManchesterMarathon
Instagram: manchestermarathon