Runners lace up their race shoes

Photo: Tim Bradley

CHRISTIES Runners from Diggle, from left, Jane Wood, Jo Cunningham, Jo Taylor, Kate Kenny and Stacey Hesford

THE first of this year’s series of Milltown to Moors races took place at Alexandra Park on Sunday.

The day featured a 7km run and a shorter 2km for children, attracting hundreds of experienced runners, beginners, family and charity runners.

The event began at the park’s ‘Lion’s Den’ statues and ornate building.

Among those taking part was Ian Jackson (41) and son Jake (12) from Greenfield.

Ian said: “I’m a keen runner and have done a few runs in Oldham. Last year I ran all three of the Milltown to Moors races and came 12th overall. I can’t do the 10km run this year because of other commitments so I fancied doing this 7km run today. I’ll probably do the other runs including the Oldham Half Marathon.

“The Milltown to Moors runs are quite challenging because of the hilly terrain. But the routes have great scenery and variety, and I think the events are a great showcase for Oldham.”

Jake, a pupil at North Chadderton School, said: “I’m a member of the Stubby’s boxing centre at Shaw and I do some running as part of the training.”

The Milltown to Moors runs are organised by Oldham Community Leisure, which also runs local leisure centres and sports facilities in the borough.

Some runners were supporting good causes including a group backing The Christie Hospital in Oldham.

Joanne Taylor (41) from Diggle has secondary breast cancer and is raising cash for a cancer café.

She said: “I’ve taken part in a number of walks, runs and events this year with a group of friends. Events like this are a great way to support good causes and I hope people will support our fundraising work.”

Donations can be made online to her at justgiving.com/Joanne-Taylor41.

Alan King, who manages outdoor events for OCL, said: “This 7km run has attracted a superb turn-out. There is a massive range of experienced to first-timers. We have also held a junior run in Alexandra Park earlier today, which was a great success too.

“Seven kilometres is quite an unusual distance for a run but it’s designed to bridge the gap between our 5km and 10km runs. It’s an achievable distance which will encourage more people at intermediate levels to take part. They can then have a go at the 10km run on Father’s Day if they fancy it. We are all about encouraging people to get active and hope people will be inspired by events such as this.”

He also thanked the team of 30 volunteer marshals who help the events run smoothly.

Lauren Whaley, an Oldham Council sports development worker, said: “We held a trial 2km junior run in the park this morning and had 61 young runners, which was great. It was free and the children could come to the café afterwards with their families. We’ll now be holding junior runs every Sunday at Alexandra Park and are holding another run for adults in Chadderton. It’s all part of the get Oldham Active campaign.”

Registration for the junior runs is done online but details can be obtained by emailing: lauren.whaley@oldham.gov.uk