A regional daily is set to broadcast a marathon live on its website in what is believed to be a regional press first.

The Manchester Evening News will show the Greater Manchester Marathon online, with the aim of getting thousands of viewers to watch the race.

The MEN has joined forces with event organisers Xtra Mile Events to produce the stream, which will begin at 8.30am on the day fo the race, ahead of its start half an hour later.

The stream will show runners on the course, while the finish line static camera will start broadcasting from 11.10am to capture the first finishers and post-race interviews.

Rob Irvine, Editor-in-chief of MEN Media, said: “This is a truly exciting and revolutionary project as we believe this is the first time a regional media group will be broadcasting a live UK marathon.

“While thousands of spectators will be lining the streets of Trafford and Manchester to cheer on the runners, our livestreaming of the event will allow thousands of viewers from across the UK and around the world the opportunity to shout at their laptops, iPads and mobiles as they support their friends and family in this world-class, fast and friendly marathon.”

Nick Rusling, Greater Manchester Marathon chief executive, added: “We are delighted to have agreed this groundbreaking partnership with MEN to livestream the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in April.

“The www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk portal is the biggest regional news website in the UK which makes it an excellent home for the truly thrilling event coverage we expect to produce with our partners, AWOL Media Productions.

“We look forward to working with MEN to ensure the flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon can be seen by viewers across the region and beyond.”