Charities were handed a big boost as around 1,500 runners crossed the finish line of the Asda Foundation Bury 10K.
It was the third running of the event which has quickly established itself as one of the region’s leading charity road runs.
While some entrants opted to run in aid of a charity close to their hearts, many others were supporting the event’s official partner charities which this year were Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Bury Hospice, Early Break and Women’s Housing Action Group.
Supporters helped to generate a great atmosphere as the run started close to The Rock retail and leisure complex. Participants then followed a route that took runners past Bury Parish Church, the Fusilier Museum, Bury Art Museum, along Manchester Road, Dumers Lane, Bury Road, Radcliffe Road and back towards The Rock.
First across the finish line was Ben Coop, with a PB of 32 mins and 23 secs. He was followed by Jonathon Walton who clocked 33 mins 32 secs with Ian Carruthers taking third place with a time of 34 mins 31 secs.
Sarah Thomas was the first woman home in 41 mins 41 secs. Second was Emma Richardson with a time of 41 mins 19 secs and Hannah Price took third place in 41 mins 56 secs.
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 through lottery funding from Sport England.
Also spurred on by the enthusiastic crowds were youngsters taking part in the 1.4K Arena Group Bury Family Fun Run, many raising money for the event’s partner charity, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.
Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “This is an event of which Bury can be really proud. Its popularity just keeps growing year on year and it’s so fantastic to see the sense of achievement on the finishers' faces. But whether you finish first or last, it doesn’t matter, it’s all about getting together, taking part and supporting some excellent good causes.
“The atmosphere this year was once again fantastic with a real sense of camaraderie among the runners and the supporters that turned out to cheer everyone on.”
Mandy Hepworth, Asda Foundation co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to everyone who completed the Asda Foundation Bury 10K. The generous spirit of the runners, hard work of the organisers and selflessness of the volunteers all combined to make this a wonderful run.”
Tristan Batley-Kyle, Run For All head of events, said: “There is a real friendliness about the Bury 10K and that certainly shone through, not least from the volunteers who gave their time to ensure the event’s success. We are very grateful to them all.”
The date for the 2019 Bury 10k is confirmed and will take place on Sunday 15 September. Entries are open now at https://www.runforall.com/events/10k/bury-10k/
The event forms part of the Asda Foundation 10K Series, which also features runs in Lincoln, Nottingham, Hull, Burnley, Leeds, York, Leicester, King’s Lynn and Sheffield.
It is supported by Asda Foundation, Up & Running, Aftershokz, Runderwear, Arla Protein, Bury Council and the I Will If You Will programme, bananakick, Hertz and Hits Radio.
