PRESS RELEASE: Monday 26 September 2016

ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2017 IKANO BANK ROBIN HOOD HALF MARATHON AND MARATHON

Secure Your Place Now as First Entry Already Confirmed!

Having had a hugely successful 2016 event this weekend, and due to popular demand,in an unprecedented move Sweatshop have announced that Early Bird entries for the 2017 Ikano Bank Robin Hood Half Marathon, Marathon and Mini Marathon are open as of 9am TODAY. It’s time to lace up those trainers and start getting race ready for your 2017 challenge which will take place on Sunday 24th September.

The very first entry for 2017 has been confirmed as Dominic Bowen, a localman who is taking on a challenge to run 2,000 miles in a year to raise money and awareness for the Stroke Association in support of the fantastic work they’ve done caring for his mother who suffered a stroke in July. 2017 also sees the 20th anniversary of his grandmother losing her life to multiple strokes.Dominic competed in yesterday’s marathon and is determined to finish his challenge in his hometown this time next year, crossing the finish line again at the 2017 Ikano Bank Robin Hood Marathon.

Dominic said: “Yesterday’s race was even better than I could have imagined, the support the whole way around the course was phenomenal. This race is very important to me as Nottingham is my hometown and following the success of yesterday and the fact that I’m finishing my 12-month challenge here in 2017, I wanted to secure my place as soon as I could! Everyone involved in making this event happen did a fantastic job and I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Judith Manson, Race Director, comments: “We’ve never opened entries so soon after an event before, but we are so pleased with the response so far! Having Dominic sign up just minutes after the entries were opened is a real boost. We look forward to welcoming him back next year and we are proud that he has chosen to finish his challenge at the Ikano Bank Robin Hood Marathon in 2017.”

The new 2016 route included more of Nottingham’s picturesque landmarks than ever before and certainly impressed participants with the sights of the city while putting them through their paces. More exciting news will follow as race organiser Sweatshop and partners work hard to develop new and improved elements for the 2017 event.

Moving into its 37th year, the event is predicted to welcome over 10,000 runners to the half marathon and over 2,000 runners to line up for the full marathon. The iconic half marathon and prestigious marathon courses are ideal for seasoned athletes and beginners alike. The 1.5-mile mini marathon also provides the perfect option to run together with children and family.

Registration is now open. Go to for more information and to secure your place.

Early bird entry fees have been reduced from 2016 and close at midnight on Monday 31st October 2016:

Marathon

UKA affiliated club runners £37.00 / All other runners £41.00

Half Marathon

UKA affiliated club runners £26.75 / All other runners £29.95 / Wheelchair athletes £10 / Special VIP entry £51.00

Mini Marathon

All £8.75

Other prices that remain the same throughout 2017: Schools Challenge -£6/ Nottingham Post Corporate Challenge - £185.00

All races include a fantastic medal and a goody bag at the finish.

~Ends~

Words: 561

PRESS ENQUIRIES

Ruth Bowerman

Editor’s notes:

The Robin Hood Half Marathon is organised by Sweatshop, the UK’s largest specialist running retailer with shops nationwide. Sweatshop was founded by Olympic Champion Chris Brasher in 1971, with the aim to give every runner, from absolute beginner to international athlete, access to the very best equipment, supported by free gait analysis, sports bra fitting service and much more.

Sweatshop’s first responsibility is to the runner and their mission is to help you Be The Best You Can Be. Sweatshop has been voted the ‘Best Retailer’ by readers of Runner’s World for seven years in succession including 2013. Sweatshop staff are committed to providing outstanding customer service and to support this Sweatshop provides an extensive professional development training programme for all their staff including biomechanics, customer service, breast health and sports bra fitting.

For more information visit

Ikano Bank UK, established in 1994, has more than 200 co-workers based in Nottingham. They’re proud of their Swedish heritage and strong culture and always try to live up to their core promise of ‘On Fair Terms’ in everything they do.

They deliver sales finance and customer insight services to retail partners including, DFS, IKEA, Karen Millen, New Look, Oasis, Vision Express and Warehouse.

Ikano Bank UK actively contribute to the community, for example as the main sponsor of the Ikano Robin Hood Marathon, and by working with partners to provide responsible finance education for young people in a programme called Cheese Matters.

Ikano Bank UK is now launching simple, fair, low cost online loans directly to consumers. Learn more at