Quinton Fortune to run for the MU Foundation in 2012 Manchester Marathon

More than 3,500 people have already registered to take part in the upcoming marathon, which returns to Manchester after a 10 year break, and it is expected that around 8000 will compete on the big day in April 2012.
The 26 mile 385 yard route will start at Longford Park in Stretford and take in iconic landmarks such as the Imperial War Museum, the new Media City, Trafford Park and the beautiful Dunham Massey.
Former United star Quinton Fortune will be swapping his football boots for training shoes to run the race to raise money for the MU Foundation.
“I’ve never run a distance like this before and the MU Foundation is a great cause and one I’m hoping to raise plenty of money for,” says Quinton.
Olympic gold-medallist Darren Campbell, a keen supporter of sport and athletics in his home city, is delighted that Manchester will join the list of locations which already host marathons.
He commented: “Manchester is one of the most recognised cities in the world especially when it comes to sport and it’s only right that it should join the likes of London, New York, Paris and Berlin in staging the ultimate race.”
The event on Thursday was celebrated with a Mascot Mini Marathon between Fred the Red and Lanky the Giraffe (respective mascots for Manchester United and Lancashire Cricket Club) although they only ran 26 metres, not 26 miles!  Fred was cheered on by children from the MU Foundation’s Girls Centre of Excellence football teams and thrashed Lanky in two out of three races!

We will be keeping you updated on plans for the marathon over the coming months and for further information you can also visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com