A popular running festival is set to return this autumn with two new events to allow youngsters to get involved in the event.
Bury Running Festival, organised by Run For All in partnership with Bury Council, will return on Sunday, October 1 with a couple more runs added to the fixture.
Entries for this year’s competition are now open and the event is offering runners of all abilities and ages a chance to take part in the Bury 10k, Bury 10 mile as well as the new Area Group Bury mini and junior runs.
Entries are offered to participants from as young as three and as in previous years, the events will start and finish outside The Rock Shopping Centre.
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Routes for the 10k and 10 mile start in town centre, then go along Tottington Road and Bury Road, before making their way onto Kirklees Trail.
Runners will then make their way back to the town centre, before crossing the finish line outside The Rock.
The festival is expected to raise thousands of pounds for a number of local and national charities.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice or one of the event’s official partner charities.
Participants can look forward a fun warm-up, supportive crowd along the route and a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish.
To celebrate their achievements, all participants will be rewarded with a goody bag and medal at the finish line.
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Bury Running Festival in 2023.
"The festival is a great way for the local community to engage in a local sporting event and serves as a great way to ensure a healthy and active lifestyle.
"The addition of the mini and junior Events promises to be a fantastic opportunity for adults taking part in either the 10 Mile or 10K to make it a family day of fun.
"All of our mini and junior events remain to be entirely inclusive, and we encourage youngsters of all ages and abilities to join us on the day.”
Whether entrants decide to run, jog or walk, the Bury Running Festival endeavours to facilitate a way for all participants to get involved.
The new Bury mini and junior events will take place on the same day with Arena Group returning as title sponsor of this year’s min and junior event.
The sponsorship forms a vital part of Arena Group’s wider aims to support key community-based schemes.
The Yorkshire-based company are looking to increase participation by offering 150 free entries to schools in Bury and is encouraging schools to get in contact with Run For All directly to redeem these entries.
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The events are designed to ensure children understand the importance of physical activity and the benefits it provides.
Regular exercise is proven to increase children’s confidence and improves concentration, self-esteem, and development.
Managing director of Arena Group, Gary Putson, said “The entire Arena team are proud to continue this partnership that enables so many young people to get involved in healthy, fun exercise every year on the streets of Bury.
"We look forward to seeing more families, community groups and schools than ever coming together in 2023 to enjoy the buzz of the events cheered on by the Arena Owl mascot and local supporters.”
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Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing at the council, added: “We are delighted to see the Bury Running Festival return to the town in 2023.
"It’s a great event for families, newcomers and the seasoned runners who join us year on year.
"With our event partner, Run For All, we continue to do all we can to make sure this event is as inclusive and welcoming as it possibly can be.
"Whatever your reason for taking part, or your running ability, we welcome you to join us on the start line on Sunday 1st October.
"Let’s see this event as a perfect way, to kickstart a new running journey or build on current endeavours.”
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Building on its previous organisation of the event, Run For All will continue to increase community and charity engagement, while also working to remove barriers to participation for the event, so that more people in the region can enjoy the benefits of getting active.
The event will also work closely with businesses across the region and is encouraging anyone interested in partnering with the event to get in touch.
Entries are now open for the festival. To sign up and check out the route, participants are encouraged to go to www.runforall.com
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