New home announced for ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon
Organisers of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon have confirmed that the race will move to a new venue, Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, for the 2016 race on Sunday 10th April.
The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon was based at Stretford’s Longford Park when Xtra Mile Events first brought the race back in 2012 after a decade’s absence. In 2013, 2014 and 2015 the finish and race village were outside Manchester United Football Club’s Old Trafford stadium.
The move to Emirates Old Trafford is in line with the long-term growth plans for the race, and the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon joins the new Manchester Half Marathon at this iconic venue, which is renowned as one of the UK’s leading international sporting venues.
The finish as well as the charity and race village will be located outside Emirates Old Trafford, which provides great facilities for runners and supporters and, just ten minutes from Manchester city centre, features fantastic transport links. The new venue will also allow the finish line to double in width to 8 metres.
The start of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon remains close to the Trafford Arch on the A56, which is just a short walk away from the race village.
Race Director Simon Hill commented: “I am delighted to announce the move of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon from Manchester United Football Club to Emirates Old Trafford.
“This move has been part of our long-term plans for the development and growth of the race, and due to changes in the football security environment put in place we have brought the plans forward to 2016.
“This is a positive move for the Marathon as it joins the Manchester Half Marathon at this fantastic venue, and we are looking forward to delivering a great event at the race’s new home this April.”
Lancashire County Cricket Club's CEO Daniel Gidney said:"Emirates Old Trafford is an iconic venue not only in Manchester but also internationally.
"Naturally we are delighted to be the 'new home' of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and on behalf of Lancashire County Cricket Club I'd like to wish all the participants every success with their training and fundraising efforts."
The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon's British-only prize fund attracts a top quality British elite field as well as many international runners. It’s also the perfect race for first time marathoners, charity runners and those seeking a PB or qualifying time, whilst being renowned for its huge crowd and community support and the unique entertainment around the course.
15,000 places are available for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in 2016, which was voted theUK’s Best Marathon by runners at The 2015 Running Awards for the 2nd consecutive year.
Cancer Research UK is the official charity and the Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity are the official local charities for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016.
Entries for individual runners as well as the Half/Half and 4 Leg Team Relays are open and places are selling fast. Allfinishers receive a medal, goody bag and ASICS technical t-shirt. Entry fees will increase on 16th February and the organisers are urging all runners who want to be on the start line to sign up as soon as possible.
Please visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further race details and to register now.
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