Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run takes a break before 2023 return

The annual event usually attracts over 1,300 runners from across the north of England

Organisers of Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K & Fun Run have announced that the event won’t be taking place this year but will return in 2023.

The annual event that usually attracts over 1,300 runners will be taking a break while major work is completed at Rochdale Town Hall and on The Esplanade where the races usually start and finish. It will return on Sunday 8 October 2023 with early bird places going on sale this autumn.

Race director Nick Barton confirmed the decision and said it had been made ‘reluctantly’ but after careful consideration: “This year the whole of The Esplanade will be unavailable to host our start and finish due to major work around the town hall square.

“The road and pedestrianised space we require together along with a large enough indoor area can’t be accommodated without re-designing the route, which is not feasible for one year in terms of time and costs.

“We also want to make some improvements to the event, including making it even more environmentally friendly, so taking a break gives us the time to re-design elements of the event and make these changes.

“The decision has been made reluctantly and I know this will be disappointing to our runners, but work has already started on the 2023 event and you can get the date in your calendar now.”

Mark Widdup, director of neighbourhoods at Rochdale Council said: “With the support of our entrants, community, partners and sponsor Williams BMW we are looking forward to returning in October 2023.

“After considering a number of factors this year off gives us the time we need to make some changes before we return to the fantastic re-vamped Rochdale Town Hall and Esplanade next year.

“On balance it is better that we take stock, wait for the completion of the work and then bring the event back in 2023 so it showcases our ever transforming town in the best light possible.”

The event is co-ordinated by Rochdale Harriers, Middleton Harriers and Rochdale Triathlon Club supported by Rochdale Borough Council.