On your marks to help raise vital funds

WITH the Hatters Half-Marathon just over a month away, the Supporters Co-op is hoping that the people of Stockport and surrounding areas can play their part in making it a day to remember.

The race is on Sunday, September 6, and there’s still time to enter, and to offer to help in a supporting role – or simply put it in your diary to remember to come out and cheer on the runners.

This is a completely new venture for the Co-op, and while members recognise that it is a bold move on the part of the board, organising such a big occasion for the first time presents a number of challenges.

The race management team has been busy for months working on the detailed arrangements.

The route has to be planned meticulously. Publicity is needed to attract a decent number of entrants, who then have to be kept fullyinformed. Everything has to be in place to ensure that all goes well on the day, especially making it easy for the runners to follow the course, as well as looking after their welfare and safety.

The event will raise funds for the Co-op’s Guardian Account, which aims to provide backing for supporters in working with the club, and also for their charity partner, The Wellspring – the Stockport resource centre for homeless and disadvantaged people.

The half-marathon will set off from Edgeley Park at 9.30am and runners will follow a route that takes them on to the Trans Pennine Trail along the River Mersey, before looping back to return to the stadium for the finish.

Cale Green Runners have kindly offered to act as pacemakers.

Entries are still coming in, with 225 competitors already signed up.

Full details are at hattershalf.co.uk.

There’s still time to put in a bid in the Co-op’s pre-season shirt auction. On offer is an away shirt from last season signed by all the players – size XL. Bids can be emailed to: marionsboard@gmail. com .