Registration opens for Greater Manchester Marathon 2013
The organisers of the Greater Manchester Marathon, which was back this year for the first time after a decade, have announced that the 2013 race - which will take place on Sunday 28 April - has been launched and that registration is now open.
The winners of the ‘Community Spirit’ initiative, which was organised for the 2012 race to actively encourage support for the event and to make the atmosphere one to remember for everyone taking part, were present at the launch at Manchester United FC and received their £500 cash prizes.
Trafford Music Service took the prize for ‘best entertainment en route’ as voted by the runners, and Cllr Matthew Colledge, Leader of Trafford Council, accepted the cheque on behalf of Altrincham Town Centre Partnership for ‘best supporting community’ as voted by the runners.
New for 2013, the Greater Manchester Marathon will be starting on the A56 White City Roundabout in Old Trafford, just a short walk from Manchester United Football Club, and finishing outside the magnificent stadium. The race village will be located on the E2 car park in front of the stadium.
Based on feedback from the runners in 2012, additional changes have also been made to the route and a new improved route has been implemented for 2013 in conjunction with the police and Trafford Council, taking in the Trafford Quays area, Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altrincham and Urmston. Some of the route’s highlights include the Imperial War Museum, the new Media City, and of course the finish outside the Manchester United Football Club. It is a flat, fast route with only 55m of elevation gain, perfect for beginners as well as seasoned runners who want to achieve a new PB.
In addition to the start and finish area changes, the organisers have confirmed that the marathon will be entirely run on main roads and that rural sections and underpasses have been removed.
Athletics legend Ron Hill MBE has again pledged his support for the marathon in his hometown and he will be starting the race on 28 April and then joining the running crowds for the initial eight miles.
Race Director Simon Hill commented: “I am excited that we have launched the Greater Manchester Marathon 2013 and that registration is now open! We have listened to and analysed the feedback received from the 2012 race and have made some significant changes, ensuring that everyone will have the best possible race experience in 2013. A huge thank you to everyone who is supporting the Greater Manchester Marathon, don’t delay signing up!”
Entry is limited to 10,000 runners. Early bird entry, available until 31 July, costs £43 for affiliated runners and £45 for non-affiliated runners, and all finishers receive a medal as well as a fantastic goody bag.
Go to www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for the full story, for further details and to secure your place!
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