Prize boost gives extra motivation for runners
RUNNERS in need of extra motivation ahead of the annual Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon and 10K, due to be held in October, may be able to find it in the increased prize fund of more than £3,000 announced for the event.
The annual event is coordinated by Rochdale Harriers, Middleton Harriers and Rochdale Triathlon Club, supported by Rochdale Borough Council.
The first five men and first five women in the half marathon and 10K, plus eight age category prizes will be handed out on Sunday October 4.
Top prizes for the male and female winners of the half marathon are £120 of vouchers for nationwide running store ‘Up and Running.’ Second place wins £100 of vouchers, while third gets £80, fourth £60 and fifth £50.
In the 10K race, the first male and first female to cross the line will receive a £100 voucher, with £80 for second, £60 for third and £50 and £40 for fourth and fifth-placed runners.
There will also be two club team prizes up for grabs of £120 and £60 prizes plus commemorative shields for the first and second non-club teams. These are in addition to 16 age category prizes in the half marathon and 10K.
Race director Nick Barton from Rochdale Harriers said they are closely monitoring the developments with Covid-19 and will continue to take the government advice around the staging of public events.
He said: “Although we are unable to predict what may happen between now and then, we’re encouraging everyone to make the most of their daily exercise and training in anticipation for our event to go ahead as planned.
“We’ve around 300 registered already and with a one mile fun run and 10K as well as the half marathon there’s something for every ability. We’ll be working hard to ensure participants can enjoy them in a safe and happy environment.”
Races will start and finish by Rochdale Town Hall and will be chip-timed on fully-marshalled trafficfree courses, with medals handed out to finishers.
Since 2015 over 5,800 people have taken part in the event, which takes in Rochdale town and picturesque countryside scenes like Hollingworth Lake.
Organisers say the courses are relatively flat, making them ideal for personal bests. A breakdown of the prizes, online entry and more information is at www. rochdale.gov.uk/run.