Billed as ‘one of the toughest 13.1 mile races in the UK,’ Oldham’s half marathon is set to return after more than three years away.
The course’s hilly terrain promises to ‘get your pulse racing,’ according to event organisers.
More than 300 runners have already signed up to take part in the event, which will take place on Sunday, October 29 as part of an array of events in the town.
Oldham’s Kevin Sinfield has celebrated the return saying it was ‘fantastic’ to have it back.
Runners will begin with this year’s half marathon on St Mary's Way in the centre of Oldham, before taking a steady incline up to Grains Bar, where at a whopping 340 metres above sea level, the course reaches its infamous peak.
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The route promises participants breathtaking views of the Saddleworth countryside as they make their way through Delph, Dobcross and Uppermill, before heading on to Grasscroft and Lydgate to begin their return leg.
With one last push through Lees and Glodwick, runners return up St Mary’s Way at the back of Tommyfield Market, where they will be greeted by applauding crowds as they cross the finish line and receive their well-deserved pumpkin-themed medals.
Those wishing to sign up to the event can do so on Oldham Community Leisure’s website.
Volunteers can also sign up to help out.
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Entry fees start from £30, with local running groups and clubs able to enter for just £28.
The event previously took place in October 2019 as the ‘Milltown to Moors Half Marathon’ before it was disrupted by the pandemic.
The half marathon has been running in Oldham since 2012 and pulls in hundreds of runners from local charities, businesses, running clubs and residents, with hundreds of residents lined up across the streets of Oldham ready to cheer on each competitor.
Speaking about the upcoming Halloween weekend events, Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “Halloween is an exciting tradition which many people, including our younger families, celebrate every year.
“That’s why we’ve worked to put together a ‘fang’tastic offer in our town centre for residents, shoppers and visitors to enjoy over this seasonal weekend.
“As you can see there’s plenty coming up over an exciting few weeks of Halloween fun.
“I’m especially looking forward to the return of Oldham’s half marathon event as it returns after more than three years away since the pandemic.
“The course is guaranteed to get the pulses racing of all those who compete and I wish everyone the very best of luck – it’s going to be a wonderful occasion for the borough, just like it was with the recent Tour of Britain.
“So make sure you come down over the weekend for a fantastic offer and have a great Halloween.”
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