Registration open for Greater Manchester Marathon 2013 (From Messenger Newspapers)

Registration open for Greater Manchester Marathon 2013

6:36pm Monday 23rd July 2012 in Sport

THE organisers of the Greater Manchester Marathon, which was back this year for the first time after a decade, have opened registration for the 2013 race.

The launch of race - which has a route through Trafford - took place last Thursday at Manchester United Football Club when the date for 2013 has been confirmed as April 28.

The winners of the ‘Community Spirit’ initiative which was organised for the 2012 race to encourage support for the event and to make the atmosphere one to remember for everyone taking part, were present at the launch as well to receive their £500 cash prizes.

Trafford Music Service took the prize for ‘best entertainment en route’ and Cllr Matthew Colledge, the leader of Trafford Council, accepted a cheque on behalf of Altrincham Town Centre Partnership for ‘best supporting community’.

The 2013 Greater Manchester Marathon will start on the A56 White City roundabout in Old Trafford and finish outside manchester United’s stadium.

Based on feedback from the runners in 2012, a new route has been implemented for 2013, taking in the Trafford Quays area, Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altrincham and Urmston.

Some of the route’s highlights include the Imperial War Museum, the new Media City, and the finish outside the Manchester United Football Club.

Athletics legend Ron Hill has pledged his support for the marathon in his hometown again and he will be starting the race.

Race director Simon Hill said: “We have listened to and analysed the feedback received from the 2012 race and have made some significant changes, ensuring that everyone will have the best possible race experience in 2013.”

Cancer Research UK is the national charity for the event with Manchester United Foundation and 102 Capital FM Help a Capital Child also announced as official charities.

Entry is limited to 10,000 runners and early bird entry is available until July 31, costing £43 for affiliated runners and £45 for non-affiliated runners.

Go to www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further details.