Contact:  Chris Lee 
                                           Tel: 0161 234 3275
 
                  
            MANCHESTER MARATHON RETURNS TO TRADITIONAL COURSE
			
October 8, 2002 - Around 1,000 runners are expected to take to the streets
of Manchester on Sunday 13 October as the 7th Manchester Marathon returns
to its traditional park-to-park course.

The Marathon will start at 9.00am at Heaton Park in the north of the city 
and cover 26 miles and 385 yards to its finish at Wythenshawe Park in the 
south. In 2001 the Manchester Marathon took place over the Commonwealth 
Games Marathon course.

Entries have been received from local, regional and national athletes in 
all age groups as well as a number of wheelchair athletes. The race also 
plays host to the Army and Civil Service championships. All those who 
complete the Marathon will receive a commemorative medal - with the overall
winner pocketing £750.

Preparations for this major event are at an advanced stage. Over 400 people
- including a number of Commonwealth Games volunteers who will be reunited 
for the first time since the Games’ closing ceremony - will be present on 
the day to fill a variety of roles such as race marshalls and water station 
attendants. Medical cover during the Marathon will be provided by St. John 
Ambulance and the Greater Manchester Ambulance Service and physiotherapy for
participants by Tameside College’s Physiotherapy Department.

The Manchester Marathon traditionally provides a much needed boost for 
charities. In addition to fundraising carried out by individual runners, 
this year’s official charities are the Rainbow Family Trust and Street to
Stadium.

Paul Mee, from Manchester Leisure, organisers of the Marathon, said: "The
Manchester Marathon is always a popular event on the city’s sporting 
calendar. It attracts runners of all abilities, and wheelchair athletes,
which creates a feeling of community amongst those taking part. And all 
spectators are welcome to attend and support those attempting the 
ultimate sporting challenge."

"The Manchester Marathon is always a great team effort and we would like to
thank all those who contribute, in particular the many volunteers who have 
a vital part to play," said Paul Mee.

Manchester City Council has worked with Greater Manchester Police to design
a Marathon course which creates a positive, safe experience for runners and 
spectators whilst causing minimal inconvenience to residents, businesses and
motorists. Manchester City Council has set up an advice line to assist 
motorists - 0161 953 2450 - which will be available from 9.00am -2.00pm on 
Sunday 13 October.

The Manchester Marathon is fully accredited by the Amateur Athletics 
Federation. Official supporters of the Marathon are the Manchester Evening 
News, Lathom Self Drive and GMPTE.

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