In 2016, the University of Manchester raised over £75,000 for charity through the Great Manchester 10K. Over 1,100 staff and students took part in the run and the University beat the record for the biggest non-charity team entry into the race.

This year the Great Run Team has promised the University of Manchester our own starting time and purple wave. In order to secure this we must reach our target of engaging 3,000 staff and students in the run. We currently have around 2,000 students, staff and alumni signed up. Therefore we need your help to make the purplewave happen!

The deadline to register is the 4 April so get yourself signed up and encourage your colleagues, friends and housemates and to register too! The two partner charities that the University will be supporting this year are the Equity and Merit Scholarship scheme and the Big Change Manchester, a homelessness charity. Runners can choose whether to raise money for either of these two charities or for a charity of their own choice. For example Jesse Goldman will be running the 10K blindfolded this year in support of East Africa Playgrounds.

There are many reasons to get involved, such as the great atmosphere on the day, as an incentive to improve fitness and fundraising for a cause that is close to your heart. Anybody can give it a go. Member of staff, Michelle Bebbington walked the 10K last year and has since lost 5 stone with the target of running it within the hour this year!

Make sure that you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be a part of something bigger with the University. There will be provision on the day for family and friends to support and parking will be available.

Find out more about how to join the purplewave the Sport Manchester website.