There In A Flash

21 MAR2011

Sports Tours International is known as the leading provider of running holidays around the world but they're active in the UK too as the organiser of a growing number of popular events...

The team at Sports Tours International (STI) has built a proud reputation as the UK's leading provider of running holidays around the world. They take big groups each year to the New York City Marathon, the Berlin Marathon, the Paris Marathon and the Chicago Marathon. They also organise popular trips to some of the best international half marathons and 10Ks.

But they're not just about events in foreign parts, they organise a growing programme of events in the north of England that range from 5K to half marathon with the K-Swiss City of Manchester 10K, a well-established and much-loved race, the jewel in the crown. The City of Salford 10K is another major event, and its early September slot in the calendar is proving popular with runners in the North West. Fun comes to the forefront in the run up to Christmas with the Manchester City Santa Stroll and means that the Sports Tours International team is busy all the year round with local events.

This year STI has added a great new spring event with a difference. Firstly it's a double date with a 10K and a half marathon making up the Pennington Flash Trail Races on Sunday, April 3. Secondly - the name's a bit of a giveaway - it's run on trails around the scenic country park at Pennington Flash in Leigh, 6 miles south-east of Wigan. The park is famous for its wildlife and is one of the premier bird watching spots in the region so keep your eyes when you're striding along the trails, you might catch sight of something interesting.

We believe that both events could fit into spring marathon training plans. Various Virgin London Marathon training plans schedule a 10K race that weekend while a half marathon at that time is bound to fit with other training programmes.
The 10k race starts at 9.40am at the Leigh Harriers athletics track at the Leigh Sports Village and the course follows trails within the Country Park. The half marathon starts 10 minutes earlier at 9.30am at the same location and will be over a two lap course.
Graham Jackson at Sports Tours International told NORTHERN RUNNING GUIDE: ‚"We're delighted to be staging this dual event at such a great location but please check weather conditions prior to the race to make sure you wear the appropriate footwear. The trails can become muddy in parts if raining or uneven if dry."

Sunday, April 3 is Mother's Day so Graham is suggesting that you 'Run For Mum' and raise funds for your chosen charity.

The next big event for Sports Tours International is the K-Swiss City of Manchester 1OK which is scheduled for Sunday, July 3 and expected to attract 3,000 plus entries. There are lots of reasons why this event is special and should be on your 'races to do' list. Firstly, there is a terrific vibe on race day with a great start and grandstand finish at the Regional Athletics track at Eastlands. Last year runners were sent off by the Lord Mayor of Manchester and running legend Ron Hill, and received congratulations from Moonchester, the Manchester City mascot, on their return.

This is a race for all standards from the serious club runner to the charity fun runner who will enjoy the flat course around the streets of East Manchester, and a terrific goody bag afterwards. There's always a special cheer along the route, and at the finish, for charity runners; this year's good causes are the Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal Trust, Cystic Fibrosis, Francis House, the Anthony Nolan Trust and Cancer Research UK.

A successful addition in 2010 to the K-Swiss City of Manchester 1OK was the Toddler Trot which brought an extra dimension to the occasion. Check out northernrunningguide.com for news updates and details as they appear. Remember this event is known locally as the People's Race; the value for money entry fee and perfect sized field make it a real highlight of the North West running calendar.

Autumn sees the City of Salford 10k - race day has been announced as September 4. Again the location is a real bonus with a start and finish at the Lowry Plaza, and an interesting course that passes the Imperial War Museum and Old Trafford football stadium.

With new races being added each year, events over a 12 month period and plans afoot for new exciting promotions, Sports Tours International is showing that they are as strong at home as they are abroad. Check out all of their running events at their website.