THIS year’s English Half marathon provided a major economic boost for Warrington as well as raising more than £229,000 for local good causes.
Attracting more than 5,000 runners from nine countries and over 11,000 spectators, plans are now in the pipeline for next year’s events.
Organisers of the 2016 event say they race generated £187,194 of economic impact for town, including 384 hotel room nights booked for the event.
Currently, over 1,000 runners have registered their interest for the 2017 event, with a date to be soon announced.
Since moving the race from Victoria Park in 2015 the event has more than doubled participation numbers.
Organisers, Contest Sports, based in Birchwood attribute this to a route that is more friendly and welcome to runners of all levels.
“The race and the whole event weekend has come on leaps and bounds since we worked with Warrington Borough Council to move to the Town Hall with the now iconic Golden Gates finish” said race director, Rob Griffiths.
“With an action-packed weekend as part of the Warrington Festival, the English Half Marathon and Warrington has certainly become a hot favourite on the UK running calendar.”
The total economic impact was generated by event participants and spectators who purchased or took part in accommodations, food & drink, entertainment, transportation, and retail shopping. The report also showed that £229,571 was raised for good causes via charity sponsorship.
“We are thrilled that the English Half Marathon has put a spotlight on Warrington as a premier road racing destination.” added Rob. “But more importantly we are proud of the continuing growth in local economic impact and the funds raised for good causes based here in Warrington and further afield. We will never stop in our efforts to make this event a great one for the town.”
The 2017 race will be the 9th edition of the race and is planned to return in September with half-marathon, 10-kilometer, and 1 mile distances. Entries to open in due course.
For more information or to register for the race, please visit www.run-ehm.com
