Xtra Mile Events, organiser of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon has confirmed that the race will be featured on national television for the first time this year. A half-hour programme dedicated to the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016 will be broadcast shortly after the event which takes place on Sunday 10 April.
The programme will be filmed by Dream Team Television, one of the UK’s leading production companies specialising in multisport and athletics programming – for Channel 4 and other major broadcasters throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide. It is expected to have a reach of over 1 million people.
Katharine Merry, former English sprinter and Olympic medallist, will present the programme. Katharine has 30 years of experience at the highest levels of athletics, having progressed from professional sportswoman to successful sports presenter, and she is billed as the only female lead commentator in athletics.
The television broadcast promises to bring the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon some great publicity as it celebrates its 40th anniversary year. Positioned as the UK’s flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon, the race is seen to be ideal for runners of all levels including first-time marathoners, charity runners and elite athletes seeking a PB or qualifying time. It is renowned for its huge crowd and community support, and lively entertainment around the course.
The TV programme will also introduce the first Manchester Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday 16 October 2016. It boasts the same venue as the Manchester Marathon, at Emirates Old Trafford, Lancashire County Cricket Club, and another ‘superfast flat course with great entertainment’.
Race Director Simon Hill commented, “It is incredibly exciting to see the 2016 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon secure terrestrial television coverage. It will put the race in another league and raise awareness among new, international audiences that Manchester is a hub for world-class running events.
“We are already proud of welcoming a strong elite field and expect that our boosted profile will attract more professional athletes as well as first-time runners looking to experience a fast and flat course with fantastic entertainment along the way.
He continued, “The television coverage is also a great opportunity to promote the Manchester Half Marathon. We hope that those watching the marathon coverage will be inspired to sign up for the inaugural half marathon in October, and experience all that Manchester has to offer.
“Achieving television status is a wonderful way to celebrate the marathon’s 40th edition, plus it is a great reward for all our sponsors, staff and volunteers who work so hard throughout the year to deliver these quality events.”
15,000 places were available for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016, which was voted the UK’s Best Marathon by runners at The 2015 Running Awards for the second consecutive year. Entry has now closed for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon 2016.
12,000 places are available for the Manchester Half Marathon 2016. Entry is open and the deadline to register is 20 September.
www.greatermanchestermarathon.com
www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com
www.asics.co.uk
www.xtramileevents.com
www.asics.co.uk
