Here is a statement from local Fire Fighters relating to the "clash" with the ToB:
**NOTICE - Marple 10k trail race **
Hello all,
We’ve had a number of comments and questions regarding our 10k trail race on Saturday & it “clashing” with the Tour of Britain bike race. The marple fire station 10k trail race has been running for a good number of years now & we originally organised it for the first weekend in September but due to other events starting up on the same date we then moved it in subsequent years to the second weekend in September. The 10k trail race has been planned for well over 6 months with parts of it being organised and paid for in advance & which to change, would cost the charity money. Unfortunately this year, AFTER we had organised our event, the tour of Britain bike race finalised their route and the bikes do pass part of the 10k trail route. To clarify, they do not “clash” or “crossover” each other whatsoever. The runners will come off the canal at the ring’o bells pub, remaining on the pavement at all times they will go over the bridge (approx 3 or 4 meters) and go back onto the canal path. The bridge will be marshalled by a minimum of four firefighters at all times & the runners will be in no more danger than any other of the many people that will no doubt be lining the pavements to watch the bikes that will be passing on the road. I apologise for anyone that wanted to run the race and also watch the bikes but unfortunately we had too many of our plans set in stone before the bike race came along. We have tried our best to manage the event so that the bike race doesn’t interfere with us and visa Versa & all being well, if you run the 10k in under an hour there’s a chance you can nip to church lane/Hibert lane/marple to catch the bikes go past. I hope that this alleviates some people’s concerns and you can understand that after we’ve made arrangements for our event, we cannot just cancel or move it because someone else has organised another event afterwards on the same day that “clashes” with ours. I apologise for any inconvenience this causes anyone or for the dilemma to those that wanted to run the race and watch the bikes but on this occasion it was unavoidable. Our event is a local event & a charity event so hopefully everyone will have a great run & enjoy the day whether running or watching the bikes.
Many thanks
Steve Clarke (Marple Fire Fighter).
