Anderton Boat Lift announces Half Marathon Trail Race for Sunday 8 March

30 Jan 2020 02:22
Published by: Kian French

The Anderton Boat Lift will be staging a half marathon trail race on Sunday 8 March starting at 10am. The entry cost for the 13.1m race is £32. Advanced tickets for can be booked online at www.time2runevents.co.uk or by calling 01204 777800.

The half marathon will start and finish at the spectacular base of the giant lift, known as the 'Cathedral of the Canals' and will take place through nearby Marbury Park and Northwich Woodlands. There will be a short out &back section and two laps of 6.4 Miles. The event is organised by successful national race organisers, Bolton-based Time2Run.

Graham Wood, Duty Manager, Anderton Boat Lift, said: "The Anderton Boat Lift races are going from strength-to-strength. The site perfectly lends itself to this sort of event as we have both the space and easy access to some wonderful off-road running the nearby woodlands. Contestants are also really interested by the huge Lift, which is a fascinating combination of working historic structure and fun, educational experience. A pinnacle of Victoria precision engineering, it is also known as one of the highlights of the British waterways.

"Before and after the race, all the runners and their families have free access to the historic Anderton Boat Lift's site, meaning they can enjoy looking at the world's first successful boat lift as well as taking advantage of its shop, tree-top coffee shop and free exhibition area. Children can also enjoy the Lift's bespoke play area that incorporates design elements of the lift and its boating history."

Phil Eccleston, Time2Run race organiser, said: "We were really impressed by the feedback on the last race, which sold out quickly. The Lift is easily accessible from the M56, has ample parking and facilities plus great-off-road running and I think the half marathon will attract a lot of interest.

"As for all our races, competitors will be individually chip-timed and will receive a bespoke Anderton Boat Lift medal and goody bag. All finishers can download a free digital photo."

The Anderton Boat Lift is owned by the Canal & River Trust and from the beginning of April offers regular boat trips. Visitors can experience how it feels to be magically transported through the Lift or opt for a special boat trip along the River Weaver to learn about the unique industrial heritage of Northwich, a town that has made its living on salt for more than 2000 years.

The Anderton Boat Lift was restored in 2002 after a £7 million restoration made possible due to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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