It is set to be the biggest and best to date; the Rightmove Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend is preparing for more than 12,000 people to take part in one of its events, and “now is the time to set yourself a New Year challenge”, says organiser and founder Andy Hully.
In its eighth year and taking place over the Bank Holiday Weekend on Sunday and Monday, May 5 & 6, the Milton Keynes Marathon, Half Marathon, team Marathon Relay, 5k Rocket and the Superhero Fun Run have collectively become one of the biggest community events in the city that attracts athletes from across the world.
“This is the biggest Marathon is the region, the closest being London but it’s not just for the super fit,” explains Andy Hully.
“The Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend is full of people that have set themselves a challenge, for businesses that are looking to raise money for charity and for people to come together to run for fun.
“As we start the New Year, it’s the perfect time to think about a challenge. Our advice to anyone reading this is to register today, not tomorrow. Do it now and then you’ve committed to doing something amazing. If you start training now, you have plenty of time to get fit for the full 26 miles, especially for those that have already run a half marathon and are thinking of the next step.:
He added: "If you’re new or a casual runner, the half marathon is still an incredible achievement, and we can give you everything you need to make it a race to remember.”
The Milton Keynes Marathon organisers provide fitness advice and host clinics for just £10, which includes a free High5 nutrition pack worth £15 – the first being on February 11 at David Lloyd Leisure – which explain how to train, when to train and how to avoid injury.
The website is full of tips, advice, inspiration videos, testimonials, a map of the route, what to expect on the day and what runners will see.
“Milton Keynes has some spectacular sites on the route, from Willen Lake and the Peace Pagoda to the historic Linford Manor and Bradwell Windmill – it’s not all roundabouts and concrete cows,” Andy adds.
“It’s is also one of the flattest marathons in the country, which, if considering a marathon for the first time, is a huge advantage.”
If motivation is a barrier, the MK Marathon organisers have teamed up with local organisations such as the Redway Runners who run every Sunday morning, and is for people of all abilities. Starting at a different location each week and attracting in excess of 100 people, you can just turn up and introduce yourself with no need to book.
The scale of the Marathon Weekend has become so large that it’s even has its own concert.
Starting and finishing at the home of Milton Keynes Don’s football club, the Stadium MK provides a spectacular start and finish for the race, and now includes the Rightmove Race Village. Situated outside Gate 5 of Stadium MK, there will be a full line up of exciting live acts on stage, and many different activities for all the family to participate in.
On your marks, set, go!
Never miss news or leisure info in Milton Keynes - Follow us on www.twitter.com/thisistotalmk
And on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thisistotalmk
