The 2nd Double Trouble 2 day Challenge
It’s Back!
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th March 2012
The race limit has been reached and
Entries are now closed.
Information about the Race
This challenge is the Gin Pit Marathon 26.2 mile course of one large loop to be completed twice over 2 days.
My inspiration for this marathon started back in 2010 when I realised I was always having to travel to run a marathon. It occurred to me that there are very few local marathon events.
I hope to create a low key event with a friendly, homely and welcoming feel that will give local runners the opportunity to run a marathon or even a double marathon on their own doorstep. As far as I know it will be the first of its kind in the area. Runners from further a field will still be more than welcome to sample our hospitality but it will be their turn to travel! I hope to make the event something a bit different that will leave competitors with fond memories for a long time and maybe to start something we will be able to run in coming years.
The course is one large loop taking in 11 miles of canal tow path, 9 miles of trails, which are mostly derived from disused railway lines but I’m afraid there will be 6 miles on public roads. Sorry I couldn’t find a way of making a whole course road free.
I must thank our northern industrial heritage for giving us these lovely trails and canals to run along. It is fascinating to imagine that many years ago these trails would have seen large steam trains belching out huge amounts of stream and pulling heavy loads of coal. The canal tow path would have had horses pulling fully laden barges along the Leeds Liverpool canal, locally known as the Bridgewater canal. Today they have been transformed into tranquil trails and paths which we can enjoy, away from the bustle and fumes generated by 21st century traffic.
Look out for the picturesque village of Worsley at 9 miles, with its beautiful black & white mock Tudor buildings contrasting with the unusual orange canal water. At 11 miles you will pass through the village of Astley where the coal mine’s pit head still remains. Its iron work & wheel stand proud above everything else as a lasting reminder of the industry that used to overwhelm the whole area.
The beauty that has come out from the coal dust of the industrial revolution can be enjoyed by those of us willing to leave the roads behind to explore and probably get muddy!
During periods of wet weather the course can be very muddy in places and trail shoes are recommended for these conditions.
The Start and the finish are at the Miners Welfare Club, Gin Pit Village, Ley Road, Tyldesley, Manchester, M29 7DW (pictured below).
Please do not enter the Welfare Club in muddy trainers and running gear, you will get me into TROUBLE.
Race limit is 30 runners per day.
The event is held under UK Athletics rules.
UK Athletics Race Licence Numbers 2012-102782 & 2012-102783.
Any updates will be posted on this website.
Race start time 9:30am each day.
Daily pre-race registration and collection of race numbers will be 9am at the Walfare Club next to the start.
Competitors are able to enter either day of the event or both, just indicate your requirement in the appropriate boxes provided on the entry form.
Click here to download entry form.
Click here to see March 2012 confirmed entry list.
Click here to follow a link to a map of the course.
Click here to download a map of the course.
Click here to download course directions.
I have created the directions as a word document so that competitors may alter it to fit their individual needs, for example increase font size to make it easier to read while running.
Click here to download a list of local places to stay.
The event is a self guiding course, maps and directions will be issued at the start. There will be water stations at 3 points along the course at 7.85 miles, 13.2 miles & 19.3 miles. Taking a hydration pack or a bottle of water and energy gels is encouraged. I hope to make the stations manned check points but this depends on the level of volunteers I can muster.
Results will be posted on this website the day after the event.
Click here for March 2012 results.
Recommended kit
Equipment:
Directions (available at the start of the event)
Garmin (will work well in conjunction with the directions)
Mobile Phone (fully charged & switched on)
Waterproof map cover
Map
Compass
Whistle
Clothing:
Hat and gloves
Waterproof top
Long sleeve top & leggings
Trail shoes
Money raised from this event will be donated to the Brathay Trust to help their work supporting disadvantaged young people and helping them fulfil their potential.
I wish you all the very best and hope you enjoy the event.
Malc Collins
Race Director
