Runners hit road for biggest race yet

MORE than 1,000 runners took to the roads of Rochdale for the town’s annual half marathon, 10K and fun run this weekend.

Now in its fourth year, the event on Sunday had its highest number of entrants to date, with more than 1,300 participants registered, encouraged by hundreds lining the routes.

The races started at Rochdale Town Hall, heading across the town and surrounding countryside, before a sprint finish back to the town hall.

The Rock School Band from Rochdale Music Service added musical entertainment to the proceedings, playing on the bandstand in Broadfield Park, and there was a ‘sports village’ featuring health and Williams BMW Rochdale possible by the support of said “Many of the times we fitness stalls on The Espla- car sales manager, Matthew many local people, busi- saw were superb, with lots nade. Bernard. nesses and groups. I would of personal bests and great

In the town hall square, She said: “I know how like to thank all our mar- support along the way.” sponsor Williams BMW much training and hard shalls and the volunteers The winner of the half Rochdale displayed the lat- work has gone in for those for looking after the water marathon was Benjamin est models, including the i8 running and it was great to stations, Pathfinders Club, Coop from Bury Athletics plug-in hybrid car. see this event continue to Littleborough Runners, Club, with a time of 31:38

Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet attract runners from the Morrisons – Rochdale and minutes, while the first member for culture, north west, across the UK Heywood branches, our female runner was Kirsty health and wellbeing at and beyond – we even had council volunteers and Sharp of Glossopdale Harriers, Rochdale council, took part an entrant fly over from Rochdale Youth Service.” in the fun run and presented France. Race director Nick Barton prizes alongside “The event was made from Rochdale Harriers with a time of 39:08.

Louise Wakefield, aged 14, won the one-mile fun run in 5:45 minutes, while last year’s winner, Ian Aitchinson was second in 6:34.