With Rochdale Council choosing not to stage the Rochdale Half Marathon in October this year is it perhaps time to test yourself in another local event? As luck would have it Oldham Active will once again be hosting the Oldham Halloween Half which will take place on 27 October.

The race returned to the town in 2023 after a three year absence with rugby legend turned marathon-runner, Kevin Sinfield OBE commenting at the time: "It’s fantastic to have Oldham’s half marathon back on the map!"

The 13.1 mile course is widely regarded as one of the toughest half marathon events in the country, with its hilly landscape that is incredibly popular among local running clubs, charities, businesses and residents. The course covers many miles of countryside and highlights some of the best scenery Oldham has to offer.

Starting off in Oldham town centre, runners will make their way up to Saddleworth and its surrounding villages before returning to the centre of Oldham, with runners guaranteed to enjoy fantastic local support from the diverse communities along the way.

In 2023 it was Ashley Buckley of Salford Harriers who won the race in a time of 1:17:52 while first female was East Cheshire Harriers, Katie Kay who clocked 1:33:36.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Oldham Halloween Half website.

Image: Oldham Active Facebook