Join hundreds of students, staff, alumni and friends for the Great Manchester Run 10K, by joining Team Purple Wave this May.

On Sunday 18 May you’ll head to the start line alongside our University community – all wearing your purple T-shirts to create a distinctive wave of purple across the city.

You can take on the Purple Wave 10K challenge for free, by fundraising for one of two amazing University causes:

Help find life-saving solutions to cancer

Researchers at the University are working tirelessly to fight cancer on all fronts. From innovations in early detection that can spot cancers sooner, to new personalised therapies, Manchester is at the forefront of a cancer revolution.

By fundraising today, you can help scale up Manchester’s cancer research team of tomorrow. You’ll put more early career researchers in the lab – doing science required to speed up progress, meaning we’ll get the answers we need faster.

Support the students who need it most

Over the last few years, the cost of being a student has skyrocketed. The cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away; it’s been accepted as the new norm. But the number of students under increased financial pressure is not sustainable.

Over the past year, more than 1,000 students applied for grants – more than ever before. And there’s no doubt that demand will continue to be incredibly high throughout 2025. It’s so important that every Manchester student who needs help can receive it.

By fundraising today, you can make sure The University of Manchester remains a place where the best and brightest can thrive, no matter their circumstances.

Every penny you raise will go directly to your chosen university cause.

• We’d love to see you there, so sign up today!