Entry deadline approaching for big Rochdale run

Organisers are reminding participants to enter online and sign up before the deadline of midnight on 27 September

With just weeks to go before this year’s Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run, organisers are reminding potential participants to make sure they enter online before the deadline of midnight on 27 September. 

This year there will be no ‘on the day’ entries available, so anyone who doesn’t enter online before the deadline will miss out.

Over 750 places have already been booked and more than 1,200 are expected to be taking part when the event returns on Sunday 3 October, two years after it was last held.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Lots of people have taken up running, jogging or walking over the past year or so. It’s been an escape that many, including myself have enjoyed, with genuine health and well-being benefits so I’m pleased to see this event return.

“We’re making a number of changes to reduce congestion and keep everyone safe, which includes not accepting on the day entries and posting numbers with timing chips out to entrants in advance instead of the usual on day or day before collection. So it’s more important than ever to enter early and definitely before the deadline of 27 September as we won’t be able to make any exceptions for latecomers. 

“We have seen an increase in people signing up in the last month, so registration may close even earlier if capacity is reached.”

Due to the restoration work underway at Rochdale Town Hall, the start and finish line has been moved along the Esplanade towards Touchstones, with all three routes slightly adjusted to ensure their distance is maintained.

Everyone who registers for the traffic-free runs before the deadline will pay £33.40 for the half marathon (£31.40 for club-runners) or £22.60 for the 10K (£20.60 for club-runners). The one-mile family fun run is £7.

Half marathon and 10K runners will receive a new for 2021 technical t-shirt, together with an updated black nickel medal on completion. Fun runners will also receive a medal.

The official charity for the event is Springhill Hospice.

“This year’s event promises to be a special day for all involved. I hope even more entrants consider making every step count by raising money for charity as we return stronger together from one of the most challenging times in our history,” Councillor Smith added.

To enter online, view the routes, find out about running for charity as well as answers to popular questions about the event visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/run

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