It has been confirmed this week that the Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon will definitely be taking place on Sunday 10th October 2021.
This is the first time that both events will be held on the same day.
The events’ organisers have explained that the decision to hold both runs on the same day is a move that allows infrastructure to be in place for an incredible day for all, with safety at the heart of every stage of planning.
Specifics of the event day plans for runners and spectators will be revealed later this year.
Due to the forced cancellation of the 2020 Manchester Marathon, around 85% of places in this year’s event have already been taken, but with the date and capacities for the events having been confirmed, a small allocation of places are now available.
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To ensure a “safe and enjoyable event” for all, the Manchester Half Marathon will be limited to 50% of its usual numbers for 2021.
Entries into both runs are available on a first come, first served basis.
What’s more is that, to coincide with with these new entries becoming available, the Manchester Marathon has also announced the latest recipients of donations from its ‘Trafford Active Fund’ – which uses £1 from every entry to help individuals and organisations inspire active lifestyles and sporting progress in Greater Manchester – with a record £46,000 being awarded.
Five worthy organisations were shortlisted for a public vote, with the following three coming out on top and each receiving a cut of the funding:
Disability Snowsport UK
Henshaws Society for the Blind
Simply Cycling
That’s not all either, as the judging panel were so impressed by the standard of applications received for the initiative, that they have decided to award an additional £2,000 each to the runners-up in the public vote – The Conservation Volunteers and Mile Shy Club.
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Each organisation has provided detailed plans of how they will use the money awarded to help individuals in Greater Manchester get active during this incredibly testing time.
Speaking about the two announcements, Nick Rusling – CEO of Human Race Events, the organisers of Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon – said: “Whilst much focus is often given to records achieved on the course, we are delighted our events continue to break them off it too [and] the £46,000 being awarded to local organisations epitomises what this event is all about, giving people from all backgrounds the opportunity to get active and healthy.
“Whilst this is increasingly an event people want to experience from all around the world, the local community will always remain at the heart of everything we do”.
Ahead of 2021 Manchester Marathon booking opening at noon, here are the results of the Trafford Active Fund vote to decide £46,000 of YOUR funding: https://t.co/a0WWiHe4EV
He continued: “We’ve all been deprived the joy of a Manchester Marathon event day for too long, so it’s going to be an emotional and joyous return for us later this year [and] combining the two events will be something special, and I can’t wait to experience it.
“I can assure you the safety of everybody involved is a top priority, but there’s plenty of opportunity for a lot of the fun we are famous for too.
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“We look forward to sharing the plans in the not-too-distant future”.
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You can find more information about entries to the 2021 Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon here.
Featured Image – Manchester Marathon
What's On
Cheshire Oaks to debut first-ever ice rink with iconic Christmas tree in the middle to skate around
Emily Sergeant
Cheshire Oaks has unveiled its big plans for the upcoming festive season.
With less than 100 days until Christmas is here, and festive events being announced left, right, and centre, Cheshire Oaks has now joined in on the action, and for the first time ever this year will be adding a bespoke ice rink into the mix, which is set to become centrepiece of its festive celebrations this Christmas season.
The Designer Outlet shopping mall is already known and loved in the North West for its Christmas events each year, and 2025 is set to be no different.
The highly-anticipated ice rink attraction will launch in late October, and it’s already promising to be an ‘unforgettable experience’ that organisers say blends the timeless joy of ice skating with contemporary design and community spirit.
A brand-new ice rink is coming to Cheshire Oaks with a big Christmas tree in the middle to skate around / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of the new ice rink will be a custom-designed ice path that gracefully weaves around Cheshire Oaks’ iconic oak Christmas tree in the centre.
The rink itself will be nestled within a dedicated Christmas events space at the shopping village.
“We are incredibly excited to soon introduce this bespoke ice rink experience to our guests,” says Kenny Murray, who is the General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
“It’s more than just a place to skate – it will be a destination where families and friends can create cherished festive moments.”
There’ll be lots of other fan-favourite festive activities returning too / Credit: Supplied
The new ice rink will officially open on Friday 24 October, and tickets will be available soon, with the option to book in advance online or on the day, so keep your eyes peeled.
Alongside the exciting new ice rink addition will, of course, be some of Cheshire Oaks’ fan-favourite Christmas attractions – including the ‘The Big Wheel’ and ‘Santa in the Sky’ experiences, as well as festive film screenings, and the massively popular Winter Village.
The Winter Village is the perfect place to head to if you’re in need of a break from gift shopping and somewhere to soak up the Christmas spirit, as here you can grab a cosy seat and tuck into some traditional German bratwurst from the swing grill, warm up with mulled wine at the bar, and marvel at the UK’s tallest Christmas tree.
You can also book a little wooden hut to relax in, with each hut accommodating up to six people.
The Big Wheel is also one of Cheshire Oaks’ best-loved experiences each year, as here you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the festivities unfold below you, with each flight taking 10 minutes, or you can upgrade to Santa in the Sky to meet the main man in the most unique way possible.
Find out everything happening at Cheshire Oaks this Christmas here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Huge vintage home show to take over historic Manchester building next month
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most historic buildings is set to host a huge home show full of vintage finds next month.
The Vintage Home Show is taking over Victoria Baths for their second event of the year.
For anyone looking to add a retro touch to their homes, this is a chance to feast your eyes on a carefully-curated collection of furniture, homeware, ceramics, artworks, vinyl records, and more stocked by more than 60 knowledgeable sellers in a welcoming atmosphere amid the empty Grade II-listed swimming pool.
Planning to renovate in a vintage style? Or looking for one missing piece of the puzzle? This event can help you track down that something special for your home.
From one-off minimalist pieces, to mass-market retro and kitsch classics, with prices for items starting from as little as £1, you’ll have the chance to shop the collections of dozens of quality independent dealers from right around the UK, all under one historic roof.
Browse a selection of vibrant stalls featuring pieces spanning from the mid-century decades to the bold brightness of the 1990s, and everything in between.
No matter what your budget, you’ll find that gorgeous something to suit your impeccable taste.
Once you’ve finished shopping everything you need to transform your home, you can stop off at Victoria Baths’ on-site cafe to treat yourself to a selection of cakes, savouries, pastries, and soup, as well as both hot and cold drinks.
A huge vintage home show will be taking over the historic Victoria Baths in Manchester next month / Credit: Vintage Home Show
The Vintage Home Fair will take over Victoria Baths on Sunday 5 October, kicking off from 10:30am for keen shoppers after ‘Early Bird’ entry, while ‘Standard Entry’ starts at 11am and runs through the day until 3:30pm.
Due to popularity, the event will be operating a timed ticket entry process, that way organisers can manage the numbers of visitors in the building at any one time to allow everyone a chance to see everything.
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Tickets are now on sale, priced anywhere from £2 to £6 depending on the time you go, so you simply need to arrive anytime within your allocated hour and stay as long as you wish.
Emily Sergeant -
13th April 2021 
