Macclesfield Express

Get set for town’s half marathon

- RHIANNON MCDOWALL

PASSIONATE runners are being invited to sign up for the Macclesfie­ld Half Marathon, with entries opening on Valentine’s Day.

Now in its 14th year, the race has raised nearly £117,000 for charity, with around £67,000 going to East Cheshire Hospice, which has again been chosen as the main benefactor.

Last year’s events attracted more than 800 runners and the organisers are aiming for 1,000 this year. They are also offering chip timing for half marathon and 5k competitio­ns, allowing runners to access their time online afterwards to share with friends and family.

The races, which are being held on September 27, start at Macclesfie­ld Athletics track, the home of Macclesfie­ld Harriers, which organise the event, behind the leisure centre.

Carl Hanaghan, 34, who is helping organise the event, said: “The event is family friendly with a great atmosphere and is an ideal venue for your first competitiv­e race or for a seasoned runner.

“There is always a great atmosphere thanks to the small army of volunteers who give their Sunday to marshal the race course, make cakes and hand out well-earned goody bags.

“Race organisers have welcomed the positive feedback and comments of a well organised event.”

Once again there will be three races – the half marathon, the 5k road race and a junior fun run.

Carl added: “Tradition- ally most people are nonclub runners and sign up on the day, so this year we are giving a real push to encouragin­g people to sign up sooner so we have a better idea of numbers.”

Entry fees for the half marathon are £23 for unattached runners, £21 attached, with an additional £4 for entries on the day. Entrants must be over 17.

Entries into the 5k cost £10 for unattached or £8 attached, with and additional £2 for entries on the day. Entrants must be over 13.

The junior fun run is open to anyone aged under 13 years old on the day. Under fives must be accompanie­d by an adult.

To enter or find out more go to macc-half.co. uk or the facebook/ macclesfie­ld halfmarath­on

 ??  ?? ●» Last year’s Macclesfie­ld Half Marathon attracted more than 800 runners
●» Last year’s Macclesfie­ld Half Marathon attracted more than 800 runners
 ??  ?? ●» Francesca Dykes and Elizabeth Bloor as Margot and Molly
●» Francesca Dykes and Elizabeth Bloor as Margot and Molly

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