THE ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon takes place in Trafford this Sunday, April 2 and the borough is set for a day of thrilling sporting achievement, lively entertainment and superb crowd support.

Renowned for being the UK’s flattest, fastest and friendliest marathons, the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon will feature athletes of all abilities, from first time marathon runners to club runners and elite athletes hoping for a PB or qualifying time.

The race attracts runners from near and far but always includes a strong British and Irish elite field thanks to its British and Irish only prize fund.

It is also a big favourite among charity fundraisers, many of whom will be running to raise money for the official charities, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and Save the Children. The Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity are the official charity partners for the race.

Race weekend kicks off on March 31at Manchester’s First Street, where the race pack collection point will be located. This makes the two days leading up to the race a great opportunity for runners to mingle with other runners, soak up the pre-race atmosphere, purchase exclusive race merchandise and pick up their free personalised ASICS Pace your Race band to help them hit their targets on the day.

Dr Ron Hill will be doing an exclusive signing of his co-authored book, “Manchester Marathons 1908 – 2002” on Saturday, and ASICS ambassador Mara Yamauchi will be doing a live questiona and answers session from 1 to 1.30pm in the ASICS area.

Both Ron Hill and Mara Yamauchi will return as the official starters of the AIMS-accredited ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon on April 2.

The race starts at 9am near the arch on White City Way on the A56, and the route takes in the Trafford Quays area, Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altrincham, Urmston and Stretford. The two leg half/half and the four leg team relays start at 9.30am and the start of the wheelchair race is 8:58am.

The Athlete’s Village is based at Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire County Cricket Club, and will be open to athletes on race day from 7am to 4pm.

Race director Simon Hill said: “With the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon drawing close, excitement is building and we are all set to deliver our biggest and best event yet. The action will start on Friday evening and continue all the way through the weekend, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our runners and the thousands of spectators who provide outstanding support on the day. We would like to wish all runners the very best of luck with their race on Sunday.”