Press Release 10/02/08     
                            
Runners needed for the 26th Redcar Half Marathon

SPORTING enthusiasts are being invited to take part in the 26th Tees Valley Leisure Redcar Half Marathon which takes place on Sunday 20th April 2008.

The 13.1 mile half marathon is one of the longest established and most popular in the running calendar and attracts over one 1500 entries every year from people across the North East region and beyond.

And the event has been given an extra boost this year with prize money more than double than that of the previous year - with cash awards totalling
£3, 600 to encourage record breaking finish times.

The start and finish venue for this year’s event is the picturesque Kirkleatham Museum and showground area.  The fast, flat, all tarmac course is accurately measured and entry fees are from £15.

All entrants will receive an exclusive event t-shirt and goodie bag including over £20 of vouchers to spend at Tees Valley Leisure centres. Male and female finishers living in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland will have the chance of winning a free Energy Club membership to Tees Valley Leisure Centres.

The Redcar Half Marathon will be enhanced this year with the addition of a three kilometre new Family Fun Run - a safe off road course for all the family to take part in.

This exciting new event will take place at Kirkleatham showground alongside the main race and will include an entertainment programme for all to enjoy.

Anyone who signs up to the new Family Fun Run will receive an exclusive event t-shirt and goodie bag including over £20 of vouchers to spend at Tees Valley Leisure centres.

Both of these premier sporting events have the backing of Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson.  Britain’s best-known Paralympic star is participating in the Redcar Half Marathon.

Paddy Corcoran, managing director of Tees Valley Leisure who is organizing the half marathon and fun run said:

“Tees Valley Leisure is delighted to be organizing the 26th Redcar half Marathon and Family Fun Run and we are thrilled that Tanni is participating in the half marathon.

“Last year we attracted over 1500 runners and this year we hope to attract even more entries with the introduction of the new Family Fun Run which should attract a further 500 adults and children. Both events offer so many benefits – not only do they kick start a healthier lifestyle for the participants but they are also great fun!

“TFM and Magic 1170 will be providing the music on the day and there will children’s rides and food stalls, all based on the Kirkleatham Museum and showground site. It will be a terrific atmosphere and a great day out for all the family and a number of charities will benefit including Zoe’s Place, the MS Centre, South Bank and Make A Child Smile” added Paddy

Event sponsors are Tees Valley Leisure, Northumbrian Water, Mizuno, Redcar & Cleveland PCT, TFM, Hatton Traffic and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.  .

Entry forms for the Redcar Half Marathon and the new Family Fun Run are available now on the Tees Valley Leisure website www.teesvalleyleisure.co.uk the Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council website and the TFM website or to collect from any Tees Valley Leisure Centre. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Sheila Chapman, sheilachapman PR tel 07732 827 486 scpr@btopenworld.com or contact Paddy Corcoran on 07973918429