Sun shines on Rochdale’s big races

Over 1,100 runners descended on Rochdale this weekend for the return of Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run on Sunday.

The event, now in its seventh year, saw 1,116 runners registered, encouraged every step of the way by hundreds of spectators lining the routes covering town and countryside.

The three races began along The Esplanade in Rochdale town centre and each ended with a sprint back to the finish line near the town hall, where runners were met by cheering spectators and a lively atmosphere.

The half marathon was won by Michael Mannings from Oldham and Royton Harriers in a time of 01:14:59. First female over the finish line was Katie Halligan who completed the run in 1:27:20.

The 10K was won by Martin Peck from Roberttown Road Runners in West Yorkshire for the second year in a row in 35:08, while the first female 10K runner was Isabel Brandon from Rochdale Harriers in 42:13.

In the fun run, Ethan Statham was the first to complete the course, in a time of 05:11, while Joseph Foster came in second on 05:27. Lucy Dent was third for the second year in a row, on 05.33.

Jolly Josh, Maggie’s Manchester and Springhill Hospice were the official charities for the event, with hundreds of runners raising money for good causes.

Runners travelled from across the UK to take part. In addition to hundreds of residents from Greater Manchester there were entrants from Yorkshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, London, Lincolnshire, Scotland, Northamptonshire, Kent and Merseyside. 

Results, times and photographs are available at www.rochdale.gov.uk/run

Rochdale Town Hall Square was very busy, with a team from Sports Physio UK providing post-race massages in return for a £5 donation towards defibrillators for the local area. The start and finish was hosted by race day announcer Dave Sweetmore.  The section around Hollingworth Lake proved another popular spectator spot and many entrants took to social media to praise the support on the route as well as the organisation of the event.

The races were organised by Rochdale Harriers and Rochdale Triathlon Club supported by Rochdale Borough Council.

Title sponsor Williams BMW Rochdale had another eye-catching presence on Rochdale Town Hall Square, including the group’s first public display of the all new, all-electric BMW i5, and were joined by William, the Williams mascot to help present the prizes alongside Janet Emsley, deputy leader of Rochdale Borough Council and Scott Cunningham, head of business at Williams Rochdale BMW.

Scott, who ran the 10K along with a team of his colleagues said it was a fantastic day: “It's been incredible to see so many runners taking part and how busy it was in the town centre. There’s been so much support across the course too. A huge well done to everyone taking part. I know how important this excellent event is and we are very proud to be involved with an event that helps raise money for so many good causes, including our chosen charity Maggie’s.” 

Pre-race warm up routines were hosted by personal trainers from Your Trust and JD Gyms Rochdale, along with Fitness Academy students from Hopwood Hall College.

Councillor Janet Emsley who took part in the fun run to raise money for WHAG, the domestic abuse charity said: “This is a great event to be involved with, bringing such a buzz to the area.  We’re continuing to attract runners from across the country and it’s a great showcase for our borough, showing off some of our amazing scenery and green spaces. It’s going to be amazing next year when the town hall is fully re-opened and we have full use of the square again. I thank the public for their co-operation during the disruption caused by the road closures.  This event was made possible by the support of many local people. I want to thank our marshalls and the volunteers for looking after the water stations, Hopwood Hall College, the Handmade Samba Band who played around the lake, Littleborough Runners, the Ladies Circle and Littleborough Boxing Club.”