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.
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.
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.
“We look forward to sharing the plans in the not-too-distant future”.
___
You can find more information about entries to the 2021 Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon here.
Featured Image – Manchester Marathon
What's On
Manchester Arndale is hosting FREE workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe
Emily Sergeant
Is your wardrobe feeling a little bland? Need to make some changes, but your bank account isn’t quite on the same wavelength? This event is here to help.
Those looking for some new ways to get creative with their style and put a spin on the clothes they already have are invited to head down to Manchester Arndale this weekend, as the Reimagine Your Fashion event is set to be a fun hands-on weekend celebrating personal style, smart choices, and sustainable ideas.
Whether you’re into upcycling, love yourself a styling session, or you just fancy doing something different in the city this summer, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into this weekend.
You can expect creative workshops, curated fashion rails, live styling tips, and a chance to give your pre-loved clothes a second life.
Oh, and did we mention it’s all free to take part in? Perfect.
There’s a collection of free ‘REWORK’ workshops taking place over the two-day event on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July, where you can learn how to turn old into gold – from patchwork denim makeovers, to scrunchie making, custom tote design, and loads more.
There’s no need to be a sewing pro either, as the workshops are beginner-friendly and designed to be relaxed and creative with all tools provided, so all you have to do is bring along the clothing items you want to upcycle.
Manchester Arndale is hosting free workshops to help you ‘rework, restyle, and recycle’ your wardrobe this weekend / Credit: Priscilla Du Preez | Ashley Diane Worsham (via Unsplash)
At the ‘RESTYLE’ sessions, Rosie, who is the stylist behind Manchester Arndale’s summer campaign, will break down this season’s biggest trends and show you how to style what’s in store now, as well as being on-hand for styling tips and outfit advice.
And finally, there’ll also be a ‘RECYCLE’ station and drop-off point where you pass on your clean pre-loved clothes to two brilliant local charities doing vital work right here in Manchester – MASH, which supports women involved in sex work and those facing homelessness or gender-based violence, and Mustard Tree which works to tackle poverty across Greater Manchester.
“Your clothes could be someone else’s fresh start,” a spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said ahead of the event.
Reimagine Your Fashion is taking place at Exchange Court in Manchester Arndale on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July running from 12pm, and you can find out more information and the times of the free workshops online here.
Featured Image – Sarah Brown (via Unsplash)
What's On
New immersive Race Across the World Experience comes to Manchester this summer
Thomas Melia
Hit BBC TV show Race Across the World is launching an interactive experience in Manchester this summer, inspired by the series.
After five original series and two celebrity spin-offs, it was only a matter of time before the huge TV show materialised into ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’.
Just like the real programme, you will be sent on a mission across the heart of the city centre where you will have to complete tasks and reach various checkpoints to be crowned champion.
The missions will see players visiting Manchester hotspots, lesser known locations, renowned pubs, and distinctive landmarks across three hours.
Teams will rely on our trusty Bee Network as they take a trip on our vibrant yellow trams and buses to get around the city as they make their way to each puzzle and activity.
At each puzzle destination, participants will complete a challenge to guide them to their next location, all of which is pre-planned and spread across a five kilometre city-wide voyage.
For Mancs and anyone further afield, ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ offers a whole new way to explore Manchester and gives you the chance to see some of the city’s best hidden gems, even if you are on a time limit.
This sounds like a great idea for friends and family alike, and based off the amount of times we’ve had to sprint down to Platform 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, I think us Mancs were born for this challenge.
In true Race Across the World style, the team who manages to finish not just with the fastest time but with the most budget remaining too, will be the ultimate victor.
Cast of BBC’s Race Across the World / Credit: BBC / Studio Lambert
Tom Rymer, Founder of CityDays, said: “Following an outstanding debut month in London that has thrilled fans of the show, both old and new, we are bringing the Race Across The World Experience to Manchester.
“New puzzles, new characters, new decisions and new discoveries, all coming soon over three new thrilling legs. Manchester, are you ready for your race?”
A launch date for ‘Race Across the World: The Experience’ is yet to be released but eager entrants can sign up to the official waitlist and find out even more information HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th April 2021 
