Next year's Manx Mountain Marathon has moved away from its traditional Easter Saturday date.

It is now scheduled to take place on Saturday 29th September.

Organisers say there are a number of factors behind the decision as they seek to attract more competitors from off-island.

Tim Glover reports:-

Travel costs and an inadequate choice of ferry sailings at Easter are quoted in the announcement - its hoped the late September slot will make it easier as it is outside school holiday times with lower fares.

And the Easter date is usually just before the English and British Championship races start...... April also has a number of other big races including the London Marathon and the Three Peaks Challenge which are tempting alternatives to the Manx Mountain Marathon.

The weather is another factor with the possibility of the Mountain Road being closed at that time of year due to snow or ice - apparently this is happening more often.

And the move away from Easter will stop a clash with the Athletics Festival.