An iconic four day running event in Tameside, The Tour is back on the race calendar for 2024, and this year it will be brought to you by Quest Events. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect summer plan, tickets for The Tour is now on sale - Make use of our Early Bird offers on now until mid February 2024.

Having been on board as media partner in recent years, Quest Events is beyond excited to gain further involvement into this wonderful community event, for runners of all abilities.

About

A completely unique event, The Tour first took place in 1981. Here, it ran for 20 years until its end in the millennium year. At this stage, runners would take on six varying races over a week, completing a double marathon in total.

Now known as The Tour, it was the brainchild of Olympian Dr Ron Hill MBE. Each year The Tour would welcome hundreds of runners, inviting international athletes to the Greater Manchester borough. Runners craved the Tour of Tameside in the years that it ceased to run. So, in 2015 it was adapted and revived. Decades on from its origin, The Tour remains as popular and as challenging and ever.

Your 2024 Tour will be brought to you by Quest Events, comprised of the Tameside Reporter, Glossop Chronicle, Oldham Reporter and Tameside Radio.

The Tour will launch on Thursday 13 June and finish on Sunday 16 June, treating runners to an exhilarating week of activity.

Races

Day 1: X-Trail 10k, Thursday 13 June

The route will take in a variety of terrain as the route heads through two brilliant local country parks. The Daisy Nook and Park Bridge Country Parks will provide a fun, but challenging test for all runners taking part.

These country parks provide some breathtaking running landscapes and showcase the beauty of Tameside.

This route will test runners and set the pace for the next three days of running. Take part in a single race, or complete all four, and you will receive a commemorative medal for your efforts.

Day 2: Hell on the Fell,  Friday 14 June

Possibly the most iconic element of The Tour, the Hell on the Fell 6 mile race pushes runners to take on a landscape filled with steep climbs and sharp descents.

Starting at Active Copley in Stalybridge, runners are taken on an incredible journey, covering the heights of Tameside’s beautiful fells.

The area is known for its stunning views, and this race makes sure you won’t miss a thing.

Day 3: Hero Half Marathon, Saturday 15 June

The Hero Half Marathon. Runners embark on a 13.1 mile journey which includes running along the Longdendale Trail which is ideal for achieving a PB time, if your legs have survived the Fell!

This course unites runners of all abilities. With it’s out and back nature, faster athletes loop around on their journey back to the start, congratulating other runners as they do.

Day 4: The Dr Ron Hyde 7, Sunday 16th June

In memory of the incredible Dr Ron Hill, the finale of The Tour starts and finishes outside of the historic Hyde Town Hall.

This epic 7 mile race takes runners in and around the city of Hyde. The entire event is perfect for new and experienced runners alike, as the course follows roads and tarmac paths.

There’s always plenty to see on the final day of the Tour, with stalls and excitement for the whole family to enjoy.

Completing these four challenges is an incredible achievement for any runner, and the euphoric feeling you will experience on that final day is unlike anything else. Whether you run a single race, or take on the mighty full tour , you will be heavily congratulated by the community.

Seasoned runners, casual joggers, or people looking to start their fitness regime, we invite all members of the community to take on The Tour this year.

You’ve plenty of time to train, so dust off those trainers, head out the door and perhaps join us for your first half marathon.

Enter The Tour 2024 now, Early Bird prices:

Full Tour: Non-affiliated runner - £75,  UKA Affiliated Entry - £73

X-Trail 10k: Non-affiliated runner - £23,  UKA Affiliated Entry -£21

Hell on the Fell: Non-affiliated runner - £23,  UKA Affiliated Entry - £21

Hero Half Marathon: Non-affiliated runner - £24,  UKA Affiliated Entry - £21

Dr Ron Hyde 7: Non-affiliated runner - £23,  UKA Affiliated Entry - £21

Want to volunteer and play a part in the 2024 The Tour instead?

To ensure amazing events like this run smoothly, we need the help of the powerful Tameside community.

Race Marshal – A race marshal plays an integral part in a race. They are on hand to help guide athletes round the course, pointing them in the right direction so they can focus on their performances. More importantly, they offer a smiling face and a clap as runners pass them. The role of the marshal is to keep spirits high during the race, don’t be surprised if you have runners thanking you after for your efforts.

Water Station Marshal – A water station marshal will be located around the halfway point on the race. They will be helping by loading up the water station table and handing out drinks to thirsty runners. Once all the runners have passed, you will need to check that all the water bottles have been dropped in the recycling bins and do a final clean-up of the area.

Finish Line Marshal – Runners will pass you with a huge smile on their face as you hand them their medal and a much-needed bottle of water. You may also need to point runners in the direction of the event village after the race.

Photographers – We love to capture people when they are at their happiest here at Quest Media. If photography is something you love, we’d love to hear from you.

Videographers – Are you passionate about video? We pride ourselves on creating authentic, compelling video content and would love you to help us to achieve this at The Tour.

Social Media – Fancy coming down on any of the days to help us keep our followers updated via social media? Get in touch to see how your work can help us connect our community.

Anyone who volunteers at the Tour of Tameside will be offered a free race place, allowing them to enter another Tour race or the Preston 10k.

Contact events@questmedianetwork.co.uk or call 0161 379 0240 to register your interest.

We are also seeking sponsorship for The Tour 2024 

The success of any event rides on the back of its sponsors. Not only do our sponsors benefit massively from the fantastic exposure the Tour of Tameside can offer their brand, they are also making a real difference, as without their involvement this event simply cannot happen.

If your business is interested in sponsoring and supporting this historic event, then please get in touch via email: events@questmedianetwork.co.uk

Keep an eye on our social media, our website and in print to stay up to date with all the latest news of The Tour 2024.

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