FOLLOWING ON from the success of last year’s inaugural Milltown to Moors Oldham Half Marathon, this year’s event is set to be bigger and better, with an extra 200 places available.
A race with the potential to become one of the best half marathons in the country – according to last year’s winner and Commonwealth Games athlete Andi Jones – the 2013 Oldham Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 20.
Starting in the High Street area of Oldham Town Centre, runners head out towards Saddleworth with views of the villages and Peak District moors before returning to the town, making it one of the hilliest and scenic half marathons in the country.
The Milltown to Moors Oldham Half Marathon is organised by Oldham Community Leisure (OCL) and sponsored by The Oldham Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the Oldham Town Centre Partnership.
Race Director Alan Keane, Senior Health and Physical Activity Development Officer at OCL, said: “With 500 places now available, the 2013 event is set to be bigger and better than last year and we’d encourage local people to come out and support the athletes, not only at the start and finish but all around the scenic route.
“As well as the seasoned athletes there will also be many local runners, who have been training with OCL for their first half marathon, having completed our 10K race in June.
“The route has a slight change to last year, with the final mile now taking athletes through the Glodwick area of Oldham, enabling the community to give support and encouragement over the difficult last section to the finish in the Oldham town centre.”
Manager of Oldham CAB, Jonathan Yates, added: “The Oldham Half Marathon has already become a firm fixture in the race calendar, thanks to its challenging course, which features more than 1100ft of ascent.
“That, coupled with the wonderful views of the Saddleworth villages and the beautiful moorland landscape of the Peak District National Park that lies beyond, makes it an unmissable experience.”
OCL will be running a weekly running group on Wednesday evenings at 6.15pm in Oldham Sport Centre from now until the race. There are also two Sunday trial runs planned leading up to the event. These runs will be suitable for all ages and abilities, and will be taken at a steady pace.
To enter the race, offer volunteer support or for more information on the half marathon, visit www.milltownraces.co.uk or email Race Director Alan Keane at alan.keane@ocll.co.uk or ring 07715 078 239.
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