Greater Manchester Marathon close to sell out

The organisers of the Greater Manchester Marathon have confirmed that the race, back for the first time after a decade, is very close to being sold out. Initially 5,000 places were released but due to demand this was quickly increased to 8,000 for this year.

The Greater Manchester Marathon takes place on Sunday 29 April 2012 and has seen a lot of support from local communities, businesses and runners. Starting and finishing in Longford Park, Stretford, the 26.2 mile route goes through the sporting heart of Manchester and takes runners past the Imperial War Museum, the new Media City, Trafford Park and Dunham Massey.

Entry fees are £44 for affiliated runners and £46 for non affiliated runners, go to www.greatermanchestermarathon.com now to secure one of the remaining places and be part of an iconic race. Entries close on 16 April 2012 or when sold out.

There is an international start field with entries received from over 20 countries including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Details of the elite field will be announced shortly.

The Greater Manchester Marathon Expo, which gives all runners the opportunity to meet a range of exhibitors who can answer any last minute questions and advise on products and services to help runners on their 26.2 mile journey, takes place at the Stretford Leisure Centre. Opening times are Friday 27th April from 12noon to 9pm and Saturday 28th April from 9am to 6.00pm. There are some great prizes to be won, and marathon legend Ron Hill will be at the Expo to sign his book. T-shirt ‘runner name’ printing and ‘packet pick up’ will also be available at the Expo.

Sponsoring partners for the Greater Manchester Marathon include Brooks Sports, Up and Running, Gatorade, Garmin, Virgin Money Giving, Marathon-Photos, HSS Hire, Myers Lister Price Solicitors and Trafford Council whilst Moving Comfort and Clif Bar have been announced as supporters.  Further sponsors are due to be announced shortly.

For the 2012 Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford the event has forged relationships with five key local charities (Henshaws Society for the Blind, The Christie Charitable Fund, Manchester United Foundation, 102 Capital FM Help a Child, and Shoot for the Moon) and two national charities (Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie Cancer Care). Many runners are also raising funds for numerous other charities of their choosing.

Go to www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further details and to secure your place now.