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Rochdale gets ready for big race day

Over 1,200 runners are expected to take part on Sunday.

With just days to go before this year’s Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run, online entry has now closed for the event on Sunday 7 October and the final countdown is on.

If you missed the deadline, you can still enter in person at Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday 6 October (9am – 2pm) or on the morning of the event from 8am if there are any places remaining.

Day before or on the day entries will be charged at £35 for the half marathon (£32 for club runners) and £23 for the 10K (£20 for club runners)

The one-mile fun run is also available for day before or on the day entry at £7, but places are very limited.

This year's race announcer will be festival, Revolution 96.2, club and Rochdale AFC DJ Dave Sweetmore. Dave will be warming up the runners and spectators around the town hall with music as well as providing regular race updates throughout the morning.

Councillor Janet Emsley cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale Borough Council said she is expecting a record number of runners this year:

“Good luck to everyone running one of our races on Sunday 7 October. I am looking forward to welcoming runners of all abilities to this fabulous event, which passes through some stunning scenery and magnificent landmarks as well as the start and finish line by the Grade One listed delight of our town hall.”

John Connor, head of business, Williams BMW Rochdale, added:

“As a locally-based and family-owned business, we’re dedicated to supporting our local communities and delighted to be marking our third year as title sponsor of the Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon. Once again, we wish all the best to everyone taking part in and supporting what has become a prestigious, national event, raising much-needed funds for very deserving charitable causes.”

Half marathon and 10K runners will receive a technical t-shirt, together with a new for 2018 black nickel medal on completion. Fun runners will also receive a medal.

Elite athletes to look out for this year include Ben Coop from Bury, who won the 2017 Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon with a personal best of 1:12:12.  Carly Needham from Rochdale Harriers will also be running the half, and she’s already won this year’s Simply Health Manchester Half Marathon and is the current Greater Manchester Cross Country Champion. Michael Mannings, the winner of last year’s Williams BMW Rochdale 10K will be on the start line again - his personal best is 33.:37.  The event has also attracted many runners from outside Greater Manchester including Laura Hesketh from Clayton-le-Moors, who has a 10K personal best of 34:28 and won this year’s Salford 10K.   Emma Ballantyne from York has also won numerous10K’s already this year with a personal best of 37:33.

To find out everything you need to know about the event, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/run

To keep up-to-date with the latest information about the event follow @RochdaleHalf on Twitter, ‘RochdaleHalfMarathon’ on Instagram and like ‘Rochdale Half Marathon’ on Facebook.  

Springhill Hospice is the official charity for the races.

01 Oct 2018