The Manchester running community took to the streets to raise money for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity Scheme, ‘A Bed Every Night’, which aims to provide a bed for every person who sleeps rough in Greater Manchester.
The Manchester 24-Hour Run Against Homelessness returned for its fifth and biggest edition yet, greatly surpassing their goal of £10,000. Five-kilometre laps began and ended at 53two theatre in Manchester city centre, with the relay running from 1200 GMT on Wednesday 15th November until 1200 GMT on Thursday 16th November.
The event was in its fifth year, founded by The University of Manchester’s student-led running club Run Wild MCR in 2019. Each year, it has grown, seeing over 55 running clubs and organisations across Greater Manchester join in, culminating in 1,602 laps completed by runners and walkers.
An astonishing 9,302 kilometres were completed collectively by 1,602 participants at the Manchester 24-Hour Run Against Homelessness. However, many donations also came from event supporters. All of this contributed to over £51,500 raised across the five years of the event.
Founder and Lead Organiser Thomas Lewis said: “It has been amazing to see so many clubs and local organisations in Greater Manchester come together and raise such an incredible amount of money for the charities scheme. The money will help make a real difference in the local community.”
Running through the night in cold November makes visible the rising number of people living on the streets in Manchester. This year’s event has raised over £25,265 so far, equivalent to 842 beds for a night, with food and full wrap-around support (helping individuals move into permanent housing”).
The runners’ passion and enthusiasm lasted all 24 hours, with individuals racking up some incredible distances as they ran through the night. To name just a few, Martin (Marv) Lucass ran a new male record of 161 km (100 miles) without any sleep, Ian Sharpe (aged 54) ran 150km, representing local club Chorlton Runners and Andra Risca ran a new female record of 100K.
Martin (Marv) Lucass, who ran 160km (100 miles) at the event stated: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever attempted but still nothing compared with the thought of being homeless for even 1 night”.