Go on the run for fun and to help charities
THE Stockport Big Run is back for a fourth year and entries are now open.
The annual event starts and finishes at St Petersgate, in Stockport town centre, on September 20 and is open to people of all abilities aged 16 and over.
A 10km course sets off at 10am and winds through central Stockport. Entrants can run, walk or complete the course in a group.
There is also a new family course, which is a 1km run starting at 10.15am.
Athletes from Team New Balance Manchester helped launch The Big Run.
Jonny Mellor, Elle Vernon and Ross Millington who all live and train in Stockport, came along to the launch.
They were joined by their coach Steve Vernon, who is former English cross-country champion and has represented Team GB.
Life Leisure have organised the event and it has been sponsored by property company Orbit Developments.
Last year the event was won by Stephen Crook in a time of 35mins 44secs. Fastest woman was Susan Clapham, who completed the course in 42mins 54secs.
Neil Bardsley, from Life Leisure, said: “This is the fourth Stockport Big Run we have organised and we are anticipating a record turnout.
“It’s a great event that always brings the community together in Stockport. It also continues to help local people raise a lot of money for their own favourite charities as well as being a key date in the diary for elite runners.”
There are prizes for runners in the men’s, women’s and team category and the run uses chip timing technology.
Every participant will receive a goody bag containing a T-shirt and a medal.
Tony Jones, from Orbit Developments, said: “After the success of last year’s run we are thrilled to be supporting this fantastic event again.
“As well as sponsoring the event, we will be looking to take part in the run too.
“We love that this is an event for everyone, whether they are a serious runner or just coming along to have some fun, so we hope to see the run well supported.”
Entry for the 10km run is £15 in advance (£13 for UKA athletes) and £18 on the day. Team entry is £50 for five. The 1km run is £5. Visit www.lifeleisure.net or call 482 0900.