News Release

27th August 2002

MARATHON ON M6 TOLL

Michael Fabricant is backing an idea proposed by Lichfield man, Robert Yardley of Cornfield Drive, to stage a major marathon run along the M6 Toll Motorway (formerly known as the BNRR) just before it is opened to traffic. The marathon would be open to contestants throughout the UK and abroad and it is hoped that tens of thousands of pounds could be raised for local and national charities.

Robert is a freelance photographer, a marathon runner , and a member of Lichfield Health & Fitness Club. Last year he competed in the Great Northern Run from Newcastle to South Shields along with 47,000 others.

Michael Fabricant has now written to the construction group preparing the M6 Toll Motorway urging them to consider this proposal favourably. "I am always keen to put Lichfield and the midlands on the national map", says Michael "and I believe that this proposal will not only promote the area, but potentially could be of great lasting benefit to many local charities. The London Marathon was restricted to 30,000 contestants because of the nature of the route and 47,000 competitors took part in the Great Northern Run. I hope the M6 Toll management will agree to this idea and I look forward to receiving their response."