18
May
2018
|
09:00
Europe/London
UoM runners will form huge Purple Wave in Europe’s largest 10k
Huge numbers of University of Manchester staff, students and alumni have registered for the SimplyHealth Great Manchester Run as part of a Purple Wave on May 20.
A final count of 2,283 people will be donning the University’s purple shirt to take part in the 10k race around Central Manchester.
Manchester will have its own start time, with a Purple Wave of runners wearing the technical running t-shirts they receive on registration.
The team have been enlisting the help of superstar, Athletics legend Mo Farah who urged everyone from the University to sign up for the run in March.
Along with other the good causes, some of the runners will be raising cash for The University’s acclaimed Undergraduate Access Scholarship scheme support’s bright young people who come from the most deprived parts of Greater Manchester.
The internationally renowned 10k run, the largest in Europe, will be staged for the 16th time, with the day also including a half marathon in the heart of the city.
Among the runners will be member of staff Cardy Camara, who is taking part despite suffering from debilitating arthritis in her feet.
Cardy will also be running in memory of her brother Jerry Law, who died of pancreatic cancer in January this year.
The 50-year-old is in pain constant pain when she trains. “OA is very painful and I have OA in my hands too. The doctors first thought I’d fractured a bone in my foot it was so bad.
“But it’s so important to me; that’s why I do it.”
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In just three years the Purple Wave has gone from a crazy idea to an established annual mass participation event for The University of Manchester community. We are currently the only organisation to have our very own starting wave, and hold the record for the largest entry
Vicky Ackerley, Head of Sport
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And second year physics student Imogen Davies, whose hole in her heart was fixed by surgeons aged 3 months, will also take part one year on from her second open heart surgery.
She said: “It does not matter how slow you go. Do it for yourself and the opportunities you will be able to take up because of it. Running and exercise is amazing. It’s so good for your physical and mental health.”
Head of Head of Sport Vicky Ackerley said: “In just three years the Purple Wave has gone from a crazy idea to an established annual mass participation event for The University of Manchester community.
“We are currently the only organisation to have our very own starting wave, and hold the record for the largest entry.
“Whether a seasoned runner, or a complete beginner looking to improve your health and wellbeing, this event provides the opportunity to be part of something really special and raise the profile of our University.”