Runners descended on Oldham town centre last Sunday morning for a Halloween-themed half marathon.
This was the 13th Oldham Halloween Half, which became Halloween-themed last year and was organised by Oldham Community Leisure.
An estimated 500 runners braved the notoriously challenging course, which included the 340-metre hill at Grains Bar.
Race commentator Warren “Sid” Siddall said: “It’s one of the hardest half marathons in the UK.”
Some runners competed in colourful Halloween costumes, but this didn’t steal the spotlight from the race’s charitable causes.
Cancer charity Maggie’s had a raceside stall, and one Bury policeman ran the 13 miles with a wheelbarrow to raise money for the Stroke Association.
Oldham’s mayor Zahid Chauhan and leader of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council Arooj Shah also attended.
The winning time was 1:10:14, achieved by David Barratt of Salford Harriers, and the fastest female finisher was Martha Barker of Saddleworth Runners, with a time of 1:27:12.
Sign-ups are already available for next year’s Halloween Half, which will take place on 26 Oct 2025.
Featured image by Chris Patel
