Toughest half marathon in the UK returns

Oldham’s Halloween Half Marathon - the borough's gruelling 13.1-mile race - is back this Halloween.

Taking place on Sunday, October 25, the event offers a rewarding challenge for any runner. Its hilly course – considered by many to be the toughest in the country – is guaranteed to get your heart racing and blood pumping. 

Whether you are looking for a new running challenge, you want to raise money for charity, or you’re looking to compete just for fun, anyone aged 17 and over can now sign-up to take part on Oldham Community Leisure’s website. 

Entry fees start from £35, with local running groups and clubs able to enter for just £33. 

Runners will begin this year’s half marathon on St Mary’s Way in Oldham, before taking a steady incline up to Grains Bar, where at a whopping 340 metres above sea level, the course reaches its infamous peak.  

From here, keen runners will enjoy breathtaking views of the Saddleworth countryside as they make their way through Delph, Dobcross and Uppermill, before heading on to Grasscroft and Lydgate to begin their return leg. 

With one last push through Lees and Glodwick, runners return to Oldham town centre, where they will be greeted by the crowds as they cross the finish line. 

Stuart Lockwood, Chief Executive of Oldham Community Leisure, said: "We're thrilled to welcome the return of the popular half marathon back to Oldham for another year. 

“The course remains as challenging as ever, even for the most seasoned runners, but it's an unforgettable experience for everyone who takes part—one of the reasons this event has been so popular over the years. 

"I invite you all to join me this year—it’s set to be a fantastic event for the whole town." 

Rebecca Fletcher, Director of Public Health at Oldham Council said: “Oldham’s half marathon really is one of a kind, as it not only lets us showcase our stunning landscape and the wider borough to visitors but also brings our local community together and supports our local businesses. 

“I encourage everyone to get involved and come out to support the runners on what is set to be a momentous day for our borough." 

The half marathon began in 2012 and pulls in hundreds of runners from local charities, businesses, running clubs and residents, with hundreds of residents lined up across the streets of Oldham ready to cheer on each competitor.  

For more information about the race, or to secure your place, visit www.oldhamactive.co.uk/news/oldham-halloween-half-marathon.