Runners from Lowton and Golborne were among the hundreds who took part in the first ever Leigh Community 10k this weekend.
Some 600 people registered to take part and the race, which took place on Sunday, August 13, proved so popular that it sold out two days before it took place.
Racestarters for the Leigh Community 10k were Jo Platt, MP for Leigh, and Steve Hook, a former patient of official partner charity Wigan and Leigh Hospice, who fired the starting pistol at 9.30am.
Among those taking part was Michael Stewart, 47, from Lowton who ran with his wife, two sons and sister-in-law in memory of his mum, Carol Stewart, who had a brain tumour and passed away at the hospice in July.
Janette Stewart, Michael Stewart, Finlay Stewart, Daniel Stewart and Lisa Holmes, from Lowton, who ran in memory of Michael’s mother Carol Stewart.
Speaking before the race, Michael said: “Mum spent 25 days in the hospice and they were so supportive and so considerate we felt that the family should try and support the hospice as best we can.
“We’ve raised £330 so far and we only started asking for sponsorship a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been busy looking after mum so my fitness has been put on hold for a while – so it’s a good job we can walk around the course!”
He added: “If we complete it we’ll put in another £125 for each of us but we’re doing it for mum so I know we’ll get around. She’d be so proud of us if she were here – she’d have a smile on her face to see us all together like this.”
Go Golborne Joggers!
Aimee Tinsley, Sarah Taylor and Emma Reid from the Golborne Joggers also put their best food forward on the day.
Aimee Tinsley, Sarah Taylor, Emma Reid from the Golborne Joggers
Fundraising will help new inpatient unit at hospice
Dr Alan Baron, Chief Executive of the hospice, said: “There is certainly an appetite for an event like the Leigh Community 10k and we are thrilled that so many people showed their support.
“All of the funds raised for the hospice will go towards the costs of refurbishing our Inpatient Unit which cares for local people with a life-limiting illness.”
The funds raised for Wigan and Leigh Hospice will go to the ‘Counting on Care’ appeal which aims to raise £50,000 towards the cost of modernising the Inpatient Unit.
Pete Burt, Managing Director for Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, who worked in partnership to organise the event, said: “It was a fantastic day for the town of Leigh, everyone who took part and especially for Wigan and Leigh Hospice.
“We are very proud to have worked with a number of partners including Wigan Council, Leigh Harriers, Rotary Club of Leigh, FCR Events, Nectar Creative and Time2Run Events to make the first event in Leigh into a success for the people of Leigh and all of the charities supported. We can’t wait to start work on next year’s event to make it even bigger and better.”
Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith, said: “The first Leigh Community 10k was a great success with hundreds of runners from the borough and beyond coming to Leigh. It also highlighted the importance of being active and living healthy lifestyles which are key parts of our public health strategy, as well as raising money for vital charities across the borough. This was a weekend to be proud of and showed the very best of Wigan borough.”
First past the finishing line was Dave Smith from Atherton who is a member of the Leigh Harriers running club.
Entertainment with a Lowton-twist!
Lowton band the Lowtones performed to runners and spectators after the Leigh Community 10k.
After the race there was entertainment from Wigan Ukelele Club, The Stetsons, The Lottery Winners and The Lowtones – a band from Lowton.
If you enjoyed the 10k – why not join in the Colour Run?
The most colourful run in the borough – the Wigan and Leigh 5K Colour Run – will be returning to Pennington Flash on Sunday, 17 September, 2017. Find out how you could take part.
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