The move to Emirates Old Trafford, the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, forms part of long-term plans for the development and growth of the race

Organisers of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon have confirmed that the race will move to a new venue, Emirates Old Trafford which is the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, for the 2016 race on Sunday April 10.

The move to Emirates Old Trafford is in line with the long-term growth plans for the race, and the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon joins the new Manchester Half Marathon at this iconic venue, which is renowned as one of the UK s leading international sporting venues.

The finish as well as the charity and race village will be located outside Emirates Old Trafford, which provides great facilities for runners and supporters and, just ten minutes from Manchester city centre, features fantastic transport links. The new venue will also allow the finish line to double in width to 8 metres.

The start of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon remains close to the Trafford Arch on the A56, which is just a short walk away from the race village.

Click the image below to view the full race map.

The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon was based at Stretford s Longford Park when Xtra Mile Events first brought the race back in 2012 after a decade s absence. For the past three years the finish and race village have been outside Manchester United Football Club s Old Trafford stadium.

“I am delighted to announce the move of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon from Manchester United Football Club to Emirates Old Trafford,” said race director Simon Hill.

“This move has been part of our long-term plans for the development and growth of the race, and due to changes in the football security environment put in place we have brought the plans forward to 2016.

“This is a positive move for the marathon as it joins the Manchester Half Marathon at this fantastic venue, and we are looking forward to delivering a great event at the race s new home this April.”

The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is described by organisers as being the UK s flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon, and the British-only prize fund attracts a top-quality British elite field as well as many international runners.

A total of 15,000 places are available for this year’s race. Cancer Research UK is the official charity and the Christie charity and Royal Manchester Children s Hospital Charity are the official local charities.

Entries for individual runners as well as the Half/Half and 4 Leg Team Relays are open but places are selling fast. Entry fees will increase on February 16 and the organisers are urging all runners who want to be on the start line to sign up as soon as possible.

See www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further details and to register.

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