Marathon effort will be bigger

MORE than 1,000 runners have already registered for the second New Balance English Half Marathon in Warrington on October 3 – which aims to be even bigger and better than last year.
The aim is to build on the event each year with the goal of attracting 10,000 runners for 2012 to coincide with the Olympics and the opening of the £30m Orford Park Project.
While the route will remain in the south of the borough this year it is likely to be moved to Orford Park for 2012.
Last year, the event attracted over 2,300 runners and the aim is to get 4,000 people into their running shoes this year.
Sponsors New Balance, Warrington Borough Council and the North West Development Agency are once again backing the venture which provides a economic boom for the town.
Race director Mike James said at a special launch event at the town hall: “Last year was an astounding success and exceeded our expectations. The feedback we received from runners was the best we’ve had for any event we’ve organised.”
As the only remaining global sportswear brand to still manufacture running shoes in the UK, New Balance was keen maintain its support and links with the English Half Marathon – its European headquarters are also based in Warrington.
New Balance UK and Ireland Country Manager, Mark Ward commented: “We are thrilled to see the New Balance English Half Marathon return to Warrington even bigger and better. It is wonderful to have this emerging road race on our doorstep and we couldn’t be happier in supporting its growth.
“Our factory in Flimby, Cumbria, produces in excess of 1.2 million pairs of trainers a year, employing over 200 people with the shoes being exported to over 50 countries around the world. We are proud, as an elite running specialist, to be dedicated to domestic manufacture and supporting the local economy. Being a part of the English Half Marathon makes perfect sense to us.”
Council leader Ian Marks, who ran part of the route in a relay team with Chief Executive Diana Terris and other council members last year, said: “We are delighted to welcome back this major event which brings many people to our town and helps raise funds for good causes. It also helps improve health and well being and helps people
achieve their potential.”
Various local charities are entering teams into the event to help with fund-raising including St Rocco’s Hospice and the Warrington Wolves Foundation.
To make the event suitable for all abilities a fun run will take place in Victoria Park starting at 9.15am followed by a “Wheels event” involving four laps of the track for assisted and self-propelled participants.
To register for the event visit www.english-half.co.uk or call the 24 hour hotline on 0870 124 1242.
Picture shows launch event at the town hall and last year’s event.