Xtra Mile Events, the organiser of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon, has confirmed that television coverage of the 2016 race will be broadcast on national UK television on Saturday 23 April.
The half-hour programme will air at 06:10 GMT on Channel 4 and then at 07:10 on Channel 4 + 1, and thereafter via streaming on 4 On Demand.
Filming took place under sunny skies at the most recent ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford on Sunday 10 April, which saw over 9,500 runners cross the finish line outside the iconic Emirates Old Trafford stadium. It marked the race’s 40th anniversary and was ‘a day of sporting greatness, lively entertainment and superb charity fundraising.’
The programme, presented by former English sprinter and Olympic medallist Katharine Merry, will re-live the action of the day, from Manchester running legend Dr Ron Hill starting the race to the formidable effort of thousands of amateur and professional athletes crossing the finishing line a few hours later. In the end it was Steven Bayton who took the men’s title in 02:22:34 and Kelly Crickmore who took the women’s title in 02:48:04.
The programme was made 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 and worldwide. It is expected to have a total reach of over 1 million people.
The television broadcast showcases the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in its 40th anniversary year. Billed as the UK’s flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon, the race is positioned as being 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 crowds and community support, and lively entertainment around the course.
The TV show will also introduce the inaugural 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 said “We were delighted to secure filming of the 2016 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and are very much looking forward to seeing the programme aired on 23 April. It is a great tribute to all those who took part and were involved, and we hope that it will inspire more athletes from the UK and further afield to join us for future events in Manchester.
“For those wanting to run a marathon for the first time in friendly surroundings, to professional athletes looking to secure a PB, the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is an ideal event.”
He continued, “Those who wish to experience all that Greater Manchester has to offer ahead of next year’s marathon can sign up for the inaugural Manchester Half Marathon in October. This promises to be a brilliant day, with all the support and entertainment that people have come to know and love in Manchester.”
Entries for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in April 2017 will be opening shortly. Entries for the Manchester Half Marathon on 16 October are open now
www.greatermanchestermarathon.com
www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com
