Book your place in Rochdale’s family fun run

The starting line at the Town Hall in 2016 for the Williams BMW Rochdale Fun Run

This year’s Williams BMW Rochdale Fun Run has an exciting new route, and it is time to book your place on the popular one mile event being held next month.

Once the half marathon and 10K runners have set off, the fun runners will be under starter's orders. A new one-mile route sets out from Rochdale Town Hall and up into the beautiful Broadfield Park, taking a very scenic route around the award winning historic grounds. There is a steep challenging climb up past the John Bright statue before entering the park. While the rest of the course climbs gradually, once you reach the bandstand it is all downhill to The Esplanade for the return to the finish line at the Town Hall.

The fun run starts at 10.25am on Sunday 8 October, entry is £6.80 and all finishers will receive a Williams BMW Rochdale Fun Run medal and goody bag.

Councillor Janet Emsley (centre) with members of Middleton Harriers, Rochdale Harriers and Rochdale Triathlon Club checking out the new fun run course in Broadfield Park

Councillor Janet Emsley cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale Borough Council, who has taken part in the event for charity for the last two years, said: “The great thing about our run is it is multigenerational. You get people of all ages and abilities having a go so it’s a real family event.

"This year’s new route around the park is a big improvement on last year with some great views, some gradients and plenty of flat sections.

"The Fun Run is something that almost everyone can take part in and there is always a great atmosphere.

"We are hoping our new route will attract even more entrants this year.”

Springhill Hospice is the official charity for the fun run, so you are welcome to run for hospice or another charity of your choice if you so wish.

Phil Roberts, chairman of Rochdale Harriers, said: “Broadfield Park is a real gem in a tranquil setting, yet just behind the Town Hall, so a perfect location for our fun run, traffic free and good underfoot.

"It is also another great viewing point for spectators and as many of our runners will be doing it for charity.

"I do hope people will come out and support them.”

• Enter the fun run, half marathon, 10K or find out more

Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run is organised by Middleton Harriers, Rochdale Harriers and Rochdale Triathlon Club supported by Rochdale Borough Council.