Press Release - Manchester Marathon - 10/16/02

                                 Contact:  Chris Lee 
                                           Tel: 0161 234 3275
 
                  
            A WELCOME RETURN FOR THE MANCHESTER MARATHON
			
October 16, 2002 - Spectators came out in force on Sunday 13 October to 
support the serious athletes, fun runners and charity fundraisers who 
took part in the 7th Manchester Marathon.

Hundreds of people lined the streets as the Manchester Marathon returned 
to its traditional park-to-park course beginning at Heaton Park, North 
Manchester and following a route to the east of the city centre to its 
finish in Wythenshawe Park, South Manchester.

Over 800 participants completed the Marathon with many providing a much 
needed boost for local charities through their individual fundraising 
activities.

Belle Vue racer Rachel Potter has her sights set on the 2004 Paralympic 
Games in Athens after victory in the wheelchair event. Potter, a 27-year-old
from New Moston, improved her personal best by over 20 minutes as she 
crossed the line at Wythenshawe Park in 2:05:56.

Newcomers Tomas Abyu and Pauline Powell celebrated their 26 mile debuts with
victory in the men’s and women’s races. England international Powell was a 
comprehensive winner in 2hrs 46 mins 28 seconds and broke the course record
by over two minutes. Ethiopian born Abyu finished outside the men’s course 
record, but was delighted with his win.

A strong contingent of former Commonwealth Games volunteers were amongst 
those who filled a variety of crucial roles such as race marshalls and 
water station attendants during the event. Medical cover was provided by 
St. John Ambulance and the Greater Manchester Ambulance Service. Greater 
Manchester Police assisted with a programme of rolling road closures which
was implemented to provide a positive, safe experience for runners and 
spectators whilst causing minimal inconvenience to residents, businesses 
and motorists.

Councillor Glynn Evans, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for 
Culture & Leisure, said : " This year’s Marathon has been a fantastic event.
Our congratulations and thanks go to everyone who contributed to a great 
day - the runners, supporters and all those who have worked tirelessly to 
ensure the smooth running of the marathon."

Paul Mee, from Manchester Leisure, Organisers of the Marathon, said: "We are
absolutely delighted with this year’s event. We would like to extend a big 
thank you to everyone who came out to support the runners and the many 
people who played such a crucial role in the staging of a successful event."

Official charities of the Manchester Marathon are the Rainbow Family Trust 
and Street to Stadium. The Manchester Marathon is fully accredited by the 
Amateur Athletics Federation. Official supporters of the Marathon are the 
Manchester Evening News, Lathom Self Drive and GMPTE.

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