The University of Manchester is excited to announce that our Purple Wave participants will be part of the Great Manchester Run, with two race distances for people to choose from – 10K or a half marathon (21km). This is scheduled for Sunday 26 May 2024.

With a legacy of remarkable fundraising success since 2016, this event holds special significance in the year that the University celebrates its 200^th birthday. The goal is to enter an impressive 1,824 runners for the event who will wear the distinctive ‘Purple Wave’ t-shirt. Not only does this achievement symbolise a significant milestone for our race, but it also pays tribute to the year our University was founded, 1824.

We are especially pleased to extend a warm invitation to all clubs, sports societies, and running groups to participate in the Purple Wave as a team. We’re also delighted to invite our alumni back to Manchester to join us too.

Over the years hundreds of wonderful fundraisers have raised tens of thousands of pounds to support good causes right here on campus. From rebuilding the Paterson Cancer Research building to providing disadvantaged students with scholarships – brilliant Purple Wave fundraisers have helped make some amazing things happen for our community.

The 2024 bicentenary Purple Wave will proudly support Manchester’s world-class research. The world is facing huge challenges right now and these pressing global problems need brilliant people to solve them.

For nearly 200 years, the discoveries made here at the University have changed the world. And every day, more incredible research is going on. From helping more people survive stroke, to speeding up life-saving cancer research and tackling climate change – the achievements of our talented researchers are extraordinary.

Your support in this year’s Purple Wave will bring us even closer to the next big Manchester discovery that could benefit us all. By joining us as a Purple Wave fundraiser this year you’ll help Manchester’s brightest minds tackle some of society’s biggest challenges.

Lisa Morton-Smith, Sport Participation Officer, expressed her enthusiasm, saying: “Within The University of Manchester Sport Office, we are eagerly anticipating the chance to support Manchester’s world-class research and create a sense of enthusiasm throughout the university community. Once again, we’ll proudly wear our University’s signature purple T-shirts and be joined by our mascot, ‘Barnabee’ the bee.”

There are two lead-up events that provide an opportunity for our Purple Wave community to come together, have some fun, and build camaraderie in anticipation of the main event. Join us for the 5k Santa Dash on 6 December 2023 and the 2.5k and 5k events on 28 February 2024, both of which will be held in Platt Fields Park.

We are delighted to share our early bird price for the 10k of £18.24, this is heavily discounted from previous years. If you choose to take part in the Purple Wave as a fundraiser for Manchester’s world-class research, your ticket will be completely free to you.

• For more details on this prestigious University event, please visit our website