The People's Race

10 MAR2010

The City of Manchester 10k has a unique place in the hearts of the local running community that has earned it the title - the People's Race. Organised by sports travel specialist Sports Tours International, based in Walkden, Manchester, the event is developing into one of the premier running events in the North West and this year's race on July 4 promises to be bigger and better than ever.

A real plus for the City of Manchester 10k is the venue; the race starts and finishes on the Regional Athletics Track at Sportcity which has hosted the AAA's & Paralympics Games. This arena was built following the 2002 Commonwealth Games and holds 6,500 spectators so it is ideal for pre-race warm-up and a rousing finish as friends and family cheers the runner home. Sportcity is easy to access and parking and entry to the complex is free.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester will get proceedings underway at 9.30 a.m. sending the expected 2,500 plus runners off on a nice flat course around the streets of East Manchester. This is indeed a race for everyone and ALL are welcome from the beginner to the seasoned club runner. The elite group contesting the prizes will finish in around 30 minutes but many runners will enjoy a steady Sunday jog and come home in 60 minutes plus. In 2009 the final finisher came home in around 1 hour 40 mins and probably receivedthe biggest cheer of the day!

As well as a terrific welcome, finishers receive a great Sports Tours International goody bag with a commemorative t-shirt, a copy of NORTHERN RUNNING GUIDE and lots of little extras. There's a brilliant post-race buzz especially for those who've run for one of the four nominated charities - the Lord Mayor of Manchester's own Charity Appeal Trust, Cystic Fibrosis, Francis House or Cash for Kids (the local charity associated with Key 103 radio station) - and are enjoying that feeling of satisfaction that comes with helping the less fortunate. Whilst it is not compulsory to run for charity, many choose to do so and people can run for a charity of their own if they wish.

New for 2010 is the Family Fun Run which will take place within the Sportcity grounds and means that July 4 will be a big party occasion for runners of all ages.

For a flavour of race day go online at the Sports Tours International website and view the short video of the 2009 event.