ORGANISERS Of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon have confirmed the en route entertainment for the 2016 race, which takes place on April 10.

Organisers say the runners and spectators at the event will be treated to an impressive line-up of local bands, singers and entertainers along the 26.2 mile course, as well as additional cheering points along the route where charities and sponsors will be cheering runners on.

As in previous years, runners will be able to vote for the Best Entertainment on the Course and the Most Supportive Neighbourhood, with the winner of each category taking home a £500 cheque.

Acts to look out for at set distances along the course include:

• Sale Brass Band (Sale Waterside: 12km).

• The Brook DJ (Brooklands: 14km and 26km).

• Frank Sidebottom and Rock Choir (Timperley Village: 16km and 23km).

• Loose Change, Wellington St Stompers, Little Belters and Magic Voices (Altrincham: 21km).

• Samuel Brooks Pub and Tomohawks (Sale West: 28km-30km).

• Stretford Brass Band, The Brakes, Little Belters and Gorse Hill Studios (Stretford: 9km and 40km).

The Altrincham Children’s Choir will also be performing again, keeping runners and spectators entertained with pumping pop, banging house, indie classics, world music and traditional choral fodder.

The full entertainment details can be found at www.greatermanchestermarathon.com/race-info/spectator-info/

Teams from ASICS will provide motivational support to the runners at the halfway point in Altrincham and will be in action at key points around the marathon route to hand out clappers to supporters, cheer on the athletes and encourage spectators to get involved. Key points along the route include the relay changeover points at Crossford Bridge, Timperley Sports Village, Altrincham and The Samuel Brooks Pub in Sale West.

This year the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon will be at a new venue - Emirates Old Trafford, home to Lancashire County Cricket Club. The finish as well as the charity village and race village will be located outside Emirates Old Trafford, featuring plenty of entertainment throughout the day.

Race director Simon Hill said: “The line-up of entertainment for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is always eagerly awaited, and we are excited to be showcasing a diverse range of entertainers and singers this year. From children’s choirs to fire eaters and local singers, the entertainment promises to be some of the best yet. We are delighted to see so many people from the local community involved as this is what makes the marathon such a unique and memorable event. For the thousands of runners undertaking the course, they couldn’t ask for better support.

“The marathon will be a fantastic event sports-wise and one of the best street parties Greater Manchester will see this year. Thank you to everyone taking part for all your efforts and practice in the build-up to the biggest ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon yet.”

Cancer Research UK is the official charity, and the Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity are the official local charities for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016.

There were15,000 places available for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in 2016, which has been voted the UK’s Best Marathon by runners at The Running Awards for two consecutive years.

Entries for this year’s race are now closed.