Organisers hope to keep big race running

RUNNING enthusiasts are being encouraged to continue training for the annual Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run, as organisers say they are doing all they can to ensure the event goes ahead.

Race director Nick Barton said that with many running events being cancelled and speculation surrounding all forthcoming races due to the coronavirus, organisers are doing all they can to ensure the event can take place on Sunday October 4.

He said: “We know there are challenges to overcome, but with three months to go there is time to overcome them. A lot will happen and change in the coming weeks too.

“Please continue to train and enter the event and be assured that if it was to be cancelled, your place would automatically transfer to 2021, holding the 2020 price, or you would be able to request a refund. We will take a final decision at the end of July, in line with social distancing guidance and the advice of UK Athletics.”

One change to this year’s race will be that there will be no race t-shirt for entrants, with entry prices for marathon and 10k runners now reduced by at least £5 to reflect this.

Anyone who has already entered will be able to collect a cash refund on the day. Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale Borough Council, added: “Safety is always the priority and we are all very aware of the responsibility we have to our runners, our official charity, our sponsor, marshals and spectators.”

Since 2015 over 5,800 people have taken part in the event, which takes in town and picturesque countryside scenes like Hollingworth Lake.

More information about the race and on taking part is available at www. rochdale.gov.uk/run.