Runners who have missed out on an entry for the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon can still put their training to good use by taking part in the Manchester Marathon instead. Because so many runners apply to enter the London Marathon, many have to rely on their name being selected in a ballot held in early October. For those that miss out, the Asics Greater Manchester Marathon is an ideal alternative as it takes place on Sunday April 10 which is just two weeks before London.

The Children’s Centre has up to 11 places available for runners willing to raise funds for their charitable projects which help families and children across the Island. The Greater Manchester Marathon starts and finishes near to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium with a spectacular final stretch along Sir Matt Busby Way. It’s regularly listed as one of the UK’s most highly-rated events in running magazine surveys and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2016. A field of 7,000, ranging from charity fundraisers to elite athletes, took part in this year’s event. By raising funds for The Children’s Centre runners will get the very best advice and support, and a comprehensive, hassle free package which leaves runners to just concentrate on running on the big day. 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:

“Manchester is regarded as the flattest and fastest marathon course in the UK, and it’s ideal for those looking to complete their first marathon, or hoping to record a personal best time. Running in a field of 7,000 runners instead of around 37,000 in London is a big advantage. We organised a trip to the 2015 Greater Manchester Marathon with eight runners raising ?3,500 for The Children’s Centre. They had a great experience and we’re expecting the 2016 trip to be popular too, so I would urge anyone who is interested to sign up as soon as possible. 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 package includes travel, marathon entry fee, accommodation and costs just ?135, including a commitment to raise a minimum of ?300 in sponsorship. Runners will take the morning ferry on Saturday April 9 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.

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 -  Pictured before the start of the 2015 Asics Greater Manchester Marathon are The Children’s Centre runners (left to right) Paul Sykes, Lee Worsfold, Richard Torpey, David Hodgson, David Sims, Caroline Helks, Imelda Quinn and Danielle Philbin.