Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and fun run to return in 2016

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Rochdale Half Marathon runners

The Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run will return next year.

The event, which is expected to attract more than 2,000 runners, will be staged on Sunday 25 September 2016 and all races will once again start and finish by Rochdale Town Hall.

Earlier this year over 1,200 people of all ages and abilities took part in the inaugural events, which were described as a huge success.

Councillor Janet Emsley, Rochdale Borough Council Cabinet Member for Community, Culture and Tourism, said: "Rochdale really got behind this event which we held for the first time this summer and I am very excited to announce that it will be returning in 2016. The atmosphere was buzzing earlier this year and I'm sure next year's will be even bigger and better."

Entries for the 2016 events are due to open on 1 December 2015. The event is being staged by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with leading race organiser, Cannonball Events.

John Lloyd, from Cannonball, said: "We had been looking to organise a half marathon in the region for some time and I'm really pleased we're able to repeat the race in 2016 after a successful inaugural event in Rochdale this year. We have planned a new scenic route encompassing urban areas, historic landmarks and beautiful scenery. I want this race to be one that people will be excited about and become a must do event on the running calendar."

The new route will cause minimum disruption but creates maximum opportunity for people to take part.

Organisers hailed the first ever Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run a resounding success after 1,200 runners ran through the town on Sunday 23 August this year. The event saw runners get on their marks by Rochdale Town Hall and set out on traffic-free courses taking in town and countryside. The race attracted runners from across Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Cheshire and beyond as well as many from the borough with spectators coming out in their hundreds to line many parts of the route.