Athletics: Entries open for Monklands half-marathon

Mar 17 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

ENTRIES are now being accepted for this year’s Monklands half-marathon.

The popular event, which attracted in excess of 130 runners in 2009, will take place on Sunday, May 16 at 10.30am.

Ronhill Cambuslang’s Robert Gilroy has secured victory on the last two occasions with Nicola May first female home last year.

In addition to the main race, North Lanarkshire Leisure’s 5k run for adults and 1k children’s fun run will be held.

The half-marathon event is a joint initiative involving Monklands Area Sports Council, NLL and the council’s environmental services department.

Principal sponsors are again Bell Group UK with additional support coming from the Time Capsule in Coatbridge.

Each finisher will receive a t-shirt and a race memento thanks to their backing.

NHS Lanarkshire’s Airdrie locality will provide bottled water supplies for thirsty runners with Forsyth Produce Direct donating fresh fruit for all finishers.

Electronic chip timing will again be used to ensure accuracy.

Limited car parking and changing facilities for the event will be within the grounds of the Time Capsule.

The start and finish area is again located in Drumpellier Country Park.

Registrations for those wishing to enter on the day, at a flat rate cost of £15, will be accepted between 9-10am at the race marquee which will be situated close to the Blair Road entrance.

Entry for runners affiliated with Scottish Athletics is £10 with non-affiliated runners to be charged £12.

The closing date for postal entries is Friday, May 7.

Half-marathon entry forms are available from council sports facilities and by visiting www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk and following the links.

Alternatively, call (01698) 402086 or (01236) 437756 for further information.