Appeal for runners to raise vital funds

All three runs start and finish by Rochdale Town Hall.

Organisers of Rochdale Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run are appealing for runners to help the event raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Already more than 500 runners have registered for places at the new events taking place on Sunday 23 August, and now Rochdale Borough Council is encouraging anyone yet to sign-up as well as those already registered to consider running their chosen event in aid of a good cause.

Councillor Janet Emsley Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing said:
“Whether it’s our one mile fun run, 10K or the half marathon, by running for charity we all have the potential to raise vital cash for some really deserving causes. Every pound can make a difference. I will be running the mile in aid of Women’s Housing Action Group.”

And if you need some more inspiration, some runners have already confirmed they will be raising funds for Rochdale-based Springhill Hospice, which provides care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

You could run for The Mayor’s Charity, which is raising funds for Petrus, Pakeeza Women’s Group, Children’s Deaf Society, Shopmobility, Springhill Hospice and other local charities this year.

There’s also Annabelle's Challenge, a locally-based charity set up by Sarah and Jared Griffin to raise awareness of Vascular-Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (vascular EDS) a rare and life-limiting genetic condition.

Councillor Emsley added: “It’s completely up to you, but one thing you always notice at races is the extra encouragement charity runners get from the crowd. And if you decide to run for charity it can provide huge motivation during the training. The idea that you're helping people less fortunate than yourself or supporting a worthwhile service can have a powerful effect on your sense of self-worth. And it will put a little extra petrol in your engine for that challenging last kilometre!”

If you plan to enter any of the races or have already done so you can easily set up a webpage to collect your donations via websites including:

www.justgiving.com

www.gofundme.com

On Sunday 23 August the 10K route leaves the Esplanade along Entwisle road, before heading towards Milnrow via Albert Royds Street. It then heads up Buckley Hill Lane, turning near its end before returning to the town hall. The half marathon does the same route except the turning point is by Kingsway Business Park, and is a two lap course. The fun run is a flat mile, heading out along Entwisle Road and turning back just after Rochdale Leisure Centre.

The event is being staged by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with Williams Rochdale BMW and race organiser Cannonball Events.