Today is the launch of a new innovative running event that is coming to Carlisle.
The Carlisle Half Marathon, which will also incorporate a 10k and Family Fun Run 2k, is scheduled to start and finish at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park on Sunday 2 September.
Ian Milburn of Event Organisers IM Events said: “There is most definitely a running boom in the country at present and we want to put on an event that the city will be proud of. Our aim is to create an event that is accessible for all ages and all running abilities, and by offering three events on one day we feel that we will be able to do just that.
"It was crucial for us to find the perfect start and finish hub for the event and we believe Brunton Park is that perfect place. Our vision of runners finishing the race in front of the Pioneer Stand with friends and family cheering loved ones over the line is going to be fantastic."
Mr Milburn has been responsible for bringing many high profile sports stars to the city over the past few years including Tony McCoy, Paul Gascoigne & Sugar Ray Leonard to name just a few.
He went on to say: “I have brought in Mike James who has a wealth of experience in the running industry to work as the race director for this project. Mike is well known locally as an event manager and his previous experience includes working on the Great Cumbrian Run between 2000 and 2008, The English Half Marathon from 2008 to 2012, Edinburgh Half Marathon from 2010 to 2014 and The Commonwealth Games in 2014.
"He has most recently improved the X Border 10k to approaching 1,000 runners and created the very popular Gelt Gladiator Mud Run which has seen 7,000 people take part over the past three years. In total in excess of 50,000 people have taken part in events organised by Mike over the past decade."
Mike said: “The operational management of this event will be my responsibility and I intend to bring in an experienced team who have worked on marathon style events in the past to ensure we create the very best, problem free event for everyone. It will be operationally challenging to plan three events in one day but we have the desire, enthusiasm and skills to make it work."
"I am also delighted to be involved with Ian and his idea to help raise as much as possible for the Eden Valley Hospice who are our charity of the year. It is an idea that I fully agree with and I think this will be well received."
The route will see runners start at and finish at Brunton Park, and runners will head into Rickerby Park to Rickerby, Linstock and Crosby-on-Eden before heading back towards the stadium in what is classed as an out and back route.
Phil King, sales and marketing director at Carlisle United said: “We are very excited about Brunton Park being the host venue for this event – it will be great to see the runners coming in past the Pioneer Foods Stand.
"We are always keen to see the stadium used on a non-matchday for events, and this is another great example of this. I have spoken to Ian and Mike about their plans for the event, and it sounds like it will be fantastic. We hope to see as many of our fans getting involved as possible.”
Sam Johnston, Community Fundraiser from Eden Valley Hospice, said: “Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw are delighted to be a part of Carlisle’s newest running event and we are honoured that we will be the chosen charity for the event’s inaugural year.
"Potentially having hundreds of people taking part and supporting the Hospice is very exciting. The money raised will provide care, support and activities to adults and children with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all of the patients’ families, friends and carers. Each year we need to raise over £3million so having the Carlisle Half Marathon support us is fantastic!”
Entries are now OPEN - click HERE to sign up.
The early bird prices are as follows:
- Half marathon - £25/£23 affiliated
- 10k - £15/£13 affiliated
- Fun run £9
Prices will increase on 31 March.
- 10k will start at 9am
- Half marathon will start at 10.30am
- Fun run will start at 10.45am
The run will be chip timed and everyone will receive a medal and goody bag – half marathon runners will also receive a t-shirt.
You can follow the event and it’s build up on Facebook by clicking HERE.
The race will be a UK Athletics Permit Event.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available as are large team bookings.
For further information about the event call Ian Milburn on 07940 532 982.