We Love Manchester Active Challenge Launched

The organisers of the Great Manchester Run today announced alternative plans to celebrate the event, despite its cancellation due to the public health crisis caused by Coronavirus.

The We Love Manchester Active Challenge aims to give everyone a challenge to stay motivated, an opportunity to still commemorate the iconic event, and most importantly to continue fundraising for their chosen charities.

The challenge takes participants through what would have been the final stages of training. Starting on 10 August and finishing on 6 September, participants are challenged to complete a minimum of 15 activities (walk, jog or run) of any distance over 28 days. For younger runners aged 16 & under, there is a junior challenge available.

Those taking part can walk, jog or run at any pace or distance they're comfortable with and everyone who completes the challenge will receive a special edition medal.

The challenge will culminate with a Virtual Bee Wave; all participants are encouraged to complete their final activity, individually, but virtually together on 6 September (the day the event was scheduled to take place), dressed in bee theme.

The challenge costs £10 to join, and all profits will go to the We Love Manchester Charity.

Lord Mayor of Manchester Councilor Abid Latif Chohan said, "The We Love Manchester Active Challenge is a great way for people to get fit and to support our city during the Covid-19 pandemic. I'm looking forward to hearing all about the challenges people take on this Summer".

Paul Foster, Chief Executive of the Great Run Company said, “Despite having to cancel the event due to the public health crisis caused by the Coronavirus, we were determined to find a way to still celebrate all that is great about the event.

“The Great Manchester Run is an important day in the calendar for charities with millions raised each year. All profits from the challenge will go to the We Love Manchester charity, and we're encouraging all participants to fundraise for one of the event's official charities. Together we can help our charity partners raise a significant fundraising total.”

Councillor Luthfur Rahman, Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure said, “The COVID-19 pandemic had a catastrophic effect on UK charities, with We Love MCR not exempt from the effects impacting their ability to provide support to Manchester. However, in true Mancunian spirit, we are challenging Manchester to be more active across 28 days.

“I am thrilled to support the launch of the ‘We Love Manchester Active Challenge', a virtual proposition not just for runners, but something for non-runners too, where everyone can get involved. This will be accessible to all, regardless of ability, where residents can walk, jog or run to suit their level. This summer, why not challenge yourself and your family to take on the virtual 4-week challenge and raise money for We Love MCR? I'm up for the challenge!”

Entries are now open, for more information and to enter click here