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Going the extra mile

The extra mile

Every member of The University of Manchester’s community is encouraged to make a real difference, both locally and globally. That’s why each year thousands of staff, students and alumni come together in a ‘Purple Wave’ for the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, raising money for good causes.

In total, 1,881 students, staff and alumni donned the University’s colour for the 10k and half marathon in May 2019, a number that increases to more than 2,500 when adding in shorter runs earlier in the year. Including training, the collective covered the equivalent distance of travelling to Singapore and back.

More than £11,000 was raised in total, benefiting causes such as Undergraduate Access Scholarships, which support students from disadvantaged communities, the University’s medical research in areas such as cancer and dementia, and Equity and Merit Scholarships, which fund students from developing African countries to address societal challenges.

“The Purple Wave has really brought together and inspired the University community to collectively raise funds for some great causes and support healthy and happy lifestyles,” commented James Marenghi, the University’s Sports Participation Manager.

Purple wave

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