Runners get set for half marathon and charity challenges
IT’S now just a few days until the Macclesfield Half Marathon, which will see hundreds of runners take on the mammoth challenge for good causes.
The event, which also attracts hundreds of supporters to the town, takes place on Sunday, September 25.
It starts and finishes at Macclesfield Athletics Track, behind Macclesfield Leisure Centre, and will also include a shorter 5k run and a junior fun run.
Carl Hanaghan, race organiser, says the event is always well supported, with the additional ‘community challenges’ proving a big hit with competitors.
He said: “It’s always a well supported event and it’s lovely to see people come out and support the runners.
“We’ve had a fair amount of interest in the community challenges. The athletics side of it is very important, but we wanted to add another dimension for runners who want to take on a challenge as a group.”
The community challenges include the Active Macc Challenge, the Ronhill Corporate Challenge and the Schools challenge. There will also be prizes for the best teams, biggest team and best fancy dress.
And there will be pace runners for those looking for a personal best on the day, with volunteers helping runners a variety of targets from 1hr30 to 2.20.
This year runners will be presented with medals rather than t-shirts.
The race starts at the athletics track at Macclesfield Leisure Centre and winds its way through the town centre, up towards Prestbury, into Over Alderley, before heading back along Chelford Road and Whirley Lane to Macclesfield. There will be some rolling road blocks along the route.
The money raised at the event will be split between East Cheshire Hospice, the Rossendale Trust, and Space 4 Autism. It costs £24 for unattached members to take part, or £21 for attached, with an additional £4 for entries on the day, with no extra cost for those entering a challenge. Participants must be 17 or over.
Entry to the 5k is £8 for attached club runners or £10 for non-attached runners, with a £2 surcharge for entries on the day. Participants must be 13 or older. Children aged 13 or under can take part in the junior fun run, which costs £3. Under fives must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information go to www.macc-half. co.uk.