Oldham Halloween half marathon: Everything you need to know

Oldham's hotly anticipated 'Halloween Half' is considered one of the toughest 13.1-mile races in the country and it's back again tomorrow (Sunday, October 27) bright and early.

It's a notoriously challenging route as it weaves through Oldham and the Saddleworth hills but anyone of any ability, as long as they are over the age of 17, can take part.

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Here's a rundown on everything you need to know about the big day tomorrow, including the weather, the route map, road closures, start times and where your loved ones can cheer you on from the side lines.

Registration, start times and bag drop

Registration opens from 7am at Oldham Leisure Centre on Middleton Road.

Here, you will collect your competitor number which you need to grab your event pack.

You'll need to fill out some details on the back of your race number.

There is also a bag drop in the Leisure Centre lockers for £1.

The start line is then around a five-minute walk from the Leisure Centre.

The race starts at 9.30am sharp.

Oldham Halloween half marathon route map

There are 13.1 miles of ground to cover, including many miles of countryside, from Oldham through to Saddleworth.

Expect beautiful scenery across the moorland landscape of the Peak District - and of course, plenty of hills.

Runners will begin this year's half marathon in the centre of Oldham before taking a steady incline up to Grains Bar where at a whopping 340 metres above sea level, the course reaches its infamous peak.

From here, runners will enjoy breathtaking views of the Saddleworth countryside as they make their way through Delph, Dobcross and Uppermill, before heading on to Grasscroft and Lydgate to begin their return leg.

With one last push through Lees and Glodwick, runners return to Oldham town centre and pass through the finish line, which is where they started the course.

Fortunately, there will be four water stations along the route and at the finish line.

The route map (Image: OMBC)

Runners are advised to familiarise themselves with the route as the organisers say it is "not the marshal's fault" if you get lost, though there is adequate signage along the route.

The weather this weekend for the race

According to the Met Office, race day is shaping up to be a clear autumnal day.

Saturday will have sunny intervals from 8am to 5pm with highs of 13 degrees.

It is forecast to rain on Saturday night from 10pm but this should be clear come race time.

Sunday is forecast to be slightly cooler with highs of 11 degrees, but thankfully a clear day.

It is expected to kick off with a bright sunshine start from 6am with sunny intervals from 9am through to around 12pm.

There may be some light rain coming in by 6pm though, which is hopefully motivating enough to get you well past the finish line and into the pub (or recovering in bed) with your medal by that time.

Runner's rules

For Oldham's Halloween Half, no headphones or portable devices are allowed.

This is for the safety of participants due to running on open roads.

Oldham Halloween Half's runner's prizes

All runners will receive a medal and a t-shirt for their participation.

However, the top three men and the top three women will also win £100, £75 or £50.

Where to park?

Runners and residents are being advised not to park in Oldham Leisure Centre car park. 

Instead, alternative parking is open across the town centre.

Where to spectate? 

Spectators can generally stand anywhere along the sidelines of the route.

The finish line is also a popular spot to see your loved ones collect their medals.

Road closures

Rolling road closures will be in place on race day.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk