Runners who have missed out on an entry for the London Marathon are being urged to put their training to good use and raise funds for The Children’s Centre in the Manchester Marathon instead. The charity is offering a fantastic package deal for any runners who want to take part in the Asics Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday April 19 next year, which starts and finishes near to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium with a spectacular final stretch along Sir Matt Busby Way. A field of 7,000, ranging from charity fundraisers to elite athletes, took part in this year’s event which was voted as the ‘Best Marathon’ in the 2014 Running Awards.
Manchester is the flattest marathon course in the UK and regarded as one of the world’s fastest. By raising funds for The Children’s Centre runners will get the very best advice and support. Lisa Motley, who is Endurance Events Fundraiser at The Children’s Centre and is organising the trip, is an experienced ultra-distance runner and a qualified sports massage therapist. She said:
“The ballot for entries to the London Marathon has now closed, and the Manchester Marathon is an ideal alternative for anyone who has missed out. Manchester takes place the Sunday before London, and is regarded as faster course. For those looking to complete their first marathon, or looking to record a personal best, running in a field of 7,000 runners instead of around 37,000 can also be a big advantage. Everyone who runs for The Children’s Centre will benefit from the support and encouragement of our vastly experienced events team. We can give advice on training, diet, and injury prevention as well as tips on fundraising – so everyone who joins us can be sure that they will have the very best preparation for the marathon. I’ll also be there on the day of the race to help everyone achieve their goals.”
The Children’s Centre is offering a hassle-free package including travel, entry fee, accommodation, and training advice for next year’s race, which will leave runners free to concentrate on getting fit for the big day. It costs just ?99, including a commitment to raise a minimum of ?300 in sponsorship for The Children’s Centre. Runners will take the morning ferry on Saturday April 18 from Douglas to Liverpool and be driven to Manchester where they will stay in a hotel overnight. The race starts at 9am on the following day. After the race, they will return to Liverpool by minibus to catch the evening ferry.
All funds raised go to The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects which help families and children across the Island, so all those who take part will know that their efforts are supporting some great projects which help everyone in the community.
For more information about the Asics Greater Manchester Marathon go to www.greatermanchestermarathon.com.
To book your place with The Children’s Centre go to http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events/ or contact Lisa Motley by emailing LisaMotley@thechildrenscentre.org.im or phoning 676076.
Photo - Happy finishers in the 2014 Asics Greater Manchester Marathon. Photo copyright of Greater Manchester Marathon Limited.
