Great Manchester Run 2019: Our 10k Story
On Sunday 19th May 2019, 13 members of Team Alexander took on the challenge of the Great Manchester 10k Run. Here at Alexander & Co, we’re very proud of our Manchester roots and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to raise money for a local charity – The Lowry Centre Trust.
Here’s our story of the Great Manchester Run 2019.
Lacing up with Team Alexander
13 of our amazing staff took part on the day, joining thousands of other runners for the biggest 10k in Europe. Our Team Alexander runners were aged between 19 and 59, and for many, it was their first organised running event – which was a big but rewarding challenge!
The atmosphere on the day was great, with 20,000 runners taking part and supporting lots of different charities. During the run, there were choirs, DJs and many other forms of entertainment, making the whole experience really enjoyable. Our fastest runner completed the course in an amazing 43 minutes, and 9 of the 13 staff got round in under an hour!
Here are some quotes from our runners
“It was a great day seeing the people of Manchester come together to raise money for so many different charities. The feeling of achievement crossing the finish line was really special and has inspired me to sign up for more organised races. I will definitely be signing up for next year!” – Emily Bingham
“What a great day! A day where different people running for different reasons pulled together as one, in true Manchester spirit, to create an overwhelming atmosphere! I’ll certainly be signing up again next year and look forward to cheering the names of more people I don’t know as they approach the finish line!” – Adam Alam
“The atmosphere on the day of the 10k was incredible. Thousands of people gathering together with two common goals: to raise money for charity and to cross that finish line! As the Great Northern Run was my first official 10k run, it was difficult and tiresome but the cheers of the crowd spurred me on. I will definitely be running the 10k next year with an aim to beat my time.” – Gemma Archer
10km for a great cause
The Lowry Centre Trust is an amazing scheme that supports disadvantaged or marginalised young people across Greater Manchester. So far, we’ve raised an amazing £5,883 (exceeding our target!) for the local charity that are doing extraordinary things. Our money will go towards two of their projects.
Young people experiencing Homelessness Project
The Lowry’s ‘Put Big Light On’ project helps young people across Greater Manchester experiencing homelessness. Working alongside partner organisations, The Lowry tours a portable structure across the region, providing a space for homeless young people to cook, eat, socialise and be creative. They provide them with ‘grab bags’ which include hats, gloves, toothbrushes, deodorant and cereal bars. They also help them to build the skills, qualifications and confidence to be able to move towards a more positive future.
Looked After Children Project
#GetInvolved is another project The Lowry runs for free. By providing free weekly drama drop-in sessions for children in care homes and foster homes across Manchester, the project is helping these children to learn new skills and meet new friends.
If you’re feeling inspired by The Lowry Centre Trust’s work just like we were, it’s not too late to donate! You can do so online or get in touch for other ways in which you can donate.
We’re hoping to soon arrange a visit so we can experience first hand the amazing, charitable work the Lowry Centre Trust is carrying out. As for the Manchester 10k, maybe we’ll see you again next year!
