HOSTING a town’s first major sporting event is set to spark widespread benefits, organisers have predicted.

The inaugural Hoad Hill marathon and half marathon are set to take place this Sunday and those behind the run hope its success will be felt across Ulverston.

Hundreds of people are due to take part, while their friends, family and supporters will be invited to enjoy beer, cake and ice cream during a day out at Ford Park.

Wayne Singleton is head of training and development for Siemens, which is sponsoring the event.

He said: “It’s not just about the marathon itself, it‘s about any sort of event that’s involving activity - whether it be running, cycling, triathlon or other sporting events. 

“What we see as a result of the increase in the number of people doing these events is tourism and the economic benefits that brings. They’re coming to an area, doing an event and they stay for a couple of days or even a week with their families.”

The Hoad Hill marathon and half marathon will see runners tackle a stunning mix of terrain setting out from Ford Park and taking in canal paths, stretches of beach and the inevitable climb up to Ulverston’s iconic monument.

It is hoped the community will turn out in force to support those taking part, including a number of first-timers who have spent months in training.

A keen runner and athlete himself, Mr Singleton said supporting sporting events is close to the hearts of many of those working at Siemens.

The Ulverston-based firm regularly sponsors similar initiatives, including the annual Evening Mail Energy for Life Walney Family Fun Run.

Mr Singleton said Siemens is firmly dedicated to promoting both community involvement and wellbeing strategies.

Like many local businesses, it too could feel the benefit of operating in a town which is home to successful and popular events.

He said: “We’ve got a lot of employees who enjoy doing outdoor activities and what we’re seeing increasingly is a lot of people actively coming to us because they enjoy doing this. 

“Outdoor activities are a big attraction to people thinking about coming to this area and looking for employment in this area, and there’s a big link there to the Choose South Cumbria campaign. It’s a really good advert for the area.”