Runners hit the streets to make the Asda Foundation Bury 10K a great success

The streets of Bury were flooded with colour as almost 2,000 runners hit the streets for one of the region’s most popular charity road races.

The second running of the Asda Foundation Bury 10K was hailed a success as a host of local good causes were handed a vital cash boost.

Supporters turned out in force yesterday to cheer the participants on their way as they made their way around the route, which started and finished near The Rock retail and leisure venue.

The large field included people from across Bury and further afield, including the inspirational Dawn Nisbet, whose photograph of her celebrating as she crossed the finish line of a parkrun in last place earlier this year went viral. Her enthusiasm and determination inspired many other people to pull on their trainers.

First across the finish line was Ben Coop in 32 mins and 58 secs. He was followed by Danny Collinge who clocked 34mins 10 secs, with Ian Carruthers taking third place with a time of 35 mins 11 secs.

Sophie Whittaker was the first woman home in 38 mins 16 secs. Second was Emily Carr with a time of 39 mins 00 secs and Emma Richardson took third place in 40 mins 16 secs.

Chris Nash won the wheelchair race in a time of 30 mins and 7 secs.

Many runners were supporting a good cause of their own choice or one of the event’s partner charities, which this year were Home-Start, Bury Hospice, the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Trust, Annabelle’s Challenge, Bury Involvement Group, Early Break Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Service and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

The Bury 10K was organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in partnership with I Will If You Will (IWIYW), a fitness movement in Bury that’s helping women, girls and their families to be more active, more often. IWIYW is delivered by Bury Council in partnership with the community and was established with National Lottery funding form Sport England.

It was the latest addition to the Asda Foundation 10K Series, which also features runs in Lincoln, Nottingham, Hull, Burnley, Leeds, York, Leicester, King’s Lynn and Sheffield.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, was among those who took part in the race, alongside the council’s interim chief executive Pat Jones-Greenhalgh.

Cllr Shori said: “The second 10k has surpassed all our expectations with even more people taking part and proudly running through the streets of Bury. It was an absolute joy to see so many people pushing themselves in aid of a good cause and to share in the sense of achievement as the runners crossed the finishing line.

“This year’s 10k was another memorable and moving occasion and one that truly brought our communities together supporting each other.”

An Asda Foundation representative said: “This year’s run was really effective in building on the success of last year’s event. There was a tremendous atmosphere generated by the runners and spectators and, most importantly, vital funds were raised for some excellent charities. Well done to all of those involved.”

Spectators also showed great support for all those taking part in the Arena Group Bury Family Fun Run, which was free for children aged between three and 14. Each of the runners who crossed the finish line of the 1.4K route was rewarded with a goody bag and well-deserved medal.

Those taking part in the Family Fun Run were encouraged to raise money for Buddy’s for Children with Autism, the event’s partner charity.

Mick Harrison, service manager of Arena Group, supporters of the family fun run, said: “I am delighted to see so many more young runners taking part this year, building on last year’s success. Everyone who has taken part today has contributed to what was a great day for Bury; in particular, the young runners’ efforts in supporting worthy causes are to be commended.”

Lynne Preston, Run for All Event Manager, said: “We are enormously grateful to everyone whose hard work helped to make today’s run such a success, particularly the brilliant volunteers who gave up their time to ensure the runners had a safe and enjoyable event.”

The Bury 10K was supported by the Asda Foundation, Bury Council and I Will If You Will, Bury Times, Key 103, Up & Running, Arla Protein, Viisana and the Rock retail and leisure venue.

For information about Run For All events visit www.runforall.com

NEWS: A special discounted rate is available – only until 8pm today – for those who want to take part in next year’s race, which will be on Sunday 16 September. For details, go to http://www.runforall.com/10k/bury/

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 September 2017.

Notes to editors

About Run For All

Run For All is part of Jane Tomlinson’s lasting legacy. Jane Tomlinson CBE raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon, ironman and triathlon competitions, to a 4,200 mile cycle ride across the width of the USA – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Her family continue to raise funds in her name and, to date, a massive £10m has been raised.

Run For All also organises the Plusnet Marathon series, which features half marathons in Leeds and Sheffield and the Yorkshire Marathon in York.

For more information the Run For All press office on 0113 826 7764 or email press@runforall.com.

About I Will If You Will

I Will If You Will is focused on changing women and girls’ behaviours towards taking part in sport and physical activity with the aim of getting more women and girls being more active, more often, and helping improve the health and wellbeing of people in Bury.

It aims to overcome the many practical and emotional barriers to being active, while encouraging women to support each other by joining the I Will If You Will community.

The successful IWIYW pilot campaign identified valuable insight and helped develop the foundations for Sport England’s national This Girl Can campaign, which launched in January 2015, as well as Sport England’s practical guide to helping women and girls get active

For more information visit the website www.iwillifyouwill.co.uk

About Asda Foundation

The Asda Foundation is a charitable corporate foundation making independent grants throughout the UK. Its aim is to ‘transform, communities’ improving lives for people and communities in the UK both now and in the future. It funds the charitable projects and activities that have ideas and the ability to achieve change for the better. Go to www.asdafoundation.org for more information.