Local man celebrates 35 years of organising over 650 charity races

A local man has organised more than 650 races for charity over the last 35 years, with his own commemorative 5k to take place in August.

As of Tuesday 29 May, Andy O’Sullivan MBE of Andems Runners has organised a mammoth 657 races for numerous charitable causes since 1983 – and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

It all started in July 1982 when, along with 2,000 others, Andy completed the ‘Rochdale Observer 7 Fun Run,’ raising £500 for Rochdale Disabled Scouts.

On Sunday 1 September 1983, after discussions with others, Andy then staged a six-mile run from the Rifleman Pub on Cronkeyshaw Road.

The race took the runners over Lobden and through Whitworth, then through Shawclough to finish outside the now-defunct Cronkeyshaw Primary School. 177 runners finished and £366.00 was raised for ‘A hospice for Rochdale appeal.’

Andy said: "The pic shows myself in centre second row, surrounded by Saudi Arabian and Bahrainian cops who were in training at Sedgeley Park."

A couple of months later, Andy staged a 10K from Elmfield Children’s Home, which was well supported and attracted a good field. Peter Eves and Sue Simpkin were the winners; the event raised about £600 for social services amenities fund.

Andy commented: “In March 1984, I staged the Rochdale Cancer Relief 9+ miler from the Rifleman, which raised £1,400, a good sum in those days.

“In June that year, I staged the prestigious ‘Peelers N Weavers’ 5.3 miler from Rochdale centre, my move into ‘the big time’. And wow: it was filled with top athletes.”

Since those days, Andy has continued organising charity races, many named after people who contributed enormously to the sport. Famous names that have been to and competed in include Olympic Silver medallists Shirley Strong, Wendy Sly, Dorothy Hyman and Dorothy Shirley. World mile record holders, Dr Ron Hill and Derek Ibbotson were also familiar faces at these races.

He said: “This evening [Tuesday 27 May], I am staging race 657 in honour of Bernadette Flynn who is currently battling breast cancer. Down the years. the late great Joe Salt, Colin and Brenda Robinson, Billy Knox, Marilyn Guest, Ken and Eileen, Donna, Sandra and family, Phil Roberts, John and Bernadette Schofield and others have supported me to pull off so many events.”

Charities that have benefitted from Andy’s races vary from Springhill Hospice and the Christie, to sending families with a serious disabled child on holiday to other local appeals.

In 1991, Andy received the BEM for services to the police and charities, which was followed with an MBE for services to Athletics and Charities 13 years later in 2004.  He even carried the Olympic torch in London that year, together with the most famous people in the UK.

These days, Andy is best known as ‘The Voice of Manchester Races,’ commentating on races like the Great Manchester Run.

He added: “My wife Emily has been my mainstay, without her help it would not have been possible.”

Emily said: “Andy has been battling high risk bladder cancer for three years. Even so, he has continued staging races to provide support for numerous causes.

“I am asking you to support his 35th year race and ensure a good turn out at his anniversary run.”

A celebratory race in Andy’s honour will take place at 11.30am on Sunday 19 August at Cowm Reservoir in Whitworth with a commemorative mug for all finishers (maximum entry 300).

Proceeds to Mollie Campbell and Whitworth CRUK.