02
June
2017
|
10:35
Europe/London
Thousands compete in Manchester run as part of Purple Wave
purplewave #2
Almost 2,500 students, alumni and staff of The University of Manchester took part in the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 28 May as part of the largest ever university group to take part in an organised running event.
First over the line among the women runners was Anne Kenchington in a time of 36.20 and the fastest man was Christopher Thomas in 34.38.
2,436 entered the Purple Wave to support the run and raise tens of thousands of pounds for scholarships and good causes which change lives and communities in Manchester and around the world.
These included the Equity and Merit Scholarships which provide funding for talented students from countries in Africa and also the Big Change, a project to help end homelessness in Manchester. People can still donate using the University's Just Giving page.
WATCH: The @OfficialUoM #PurpleWave sets off at the Manchester @Great_Run. Well done to all of the runners! @SportManchester pic.twitter.com/dJI0QPQ9dY
— Uni of Manchester (@OfficialUoM) May 30, 2017
Vicky Foster-Lloyd – Head of Sport & Active Lifestyles at The University of Manchester said: “We have been completely blown away by the response of our staff and students this year. To more than double last year’s staggering entry is just amazing! I think it shows what a fabulous community we belong to at the University, and in Manchester, and this year’s run was a testimony to that.
“Our runners have done things they didn’t think were possible and have raised thousands for local charities. We look forward to improving and growing the purple wave again for next year. A huge thank you to all our runners, the Great Run Company, and all those involved in the organising of this fantastic event.”
David Hart, Communications Director at the Great Run Company, said: “The sea of purple at the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run was an inspiring sight and a superb initiative undertaken by The University of Manchester.
With almost 2,500 entrants, it was of such a scale that it justifiably featured heavily on the BBC’s live coverage of the event.
“Well done to the Sport department for creating the campaign to engage so many students and staff into exercise and we hope to help further develop the project in future years.’
You can see a lot more photos from the day on the Sport Manchester Facebook page.