Run Wigan Festival organisers reveal the 'amazing' amount of money raised for charity Joining Jack
Organisers have announced this year’s Run Wigan Festival raised £23,000 for a borough-based charity.
The annual running event is organised by charity Joining Jack and the money raised will help to fund research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
It was set up by former Wigan Warriors player Andy Johnson and his wife Alex after their son Jack, now 18, was diagnosed with the incurable condition.
A spokesman said: “We are so thrilled to have raised another amazing total for Team JJ in such challenging times and that's all down to you!
"Well done and thank you to all our fabulous runners, supporters, fund-raisers, volunteers, sponsors and event partners! Thank you for taking part, supporting and being part of another awesome day!”
Other good causes also benefited from the event, as some participants chose to raise money for charities close to their hearts, including Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Daffodils Dreams.
A total of 1,250 people signed up for the half marathon, 1,100 for the 5k race and 300 for the family mile, with hundreds of supporters braving the rain to cheer them on at Mesnes Park earlier this month.
There was live music, food and drink stalls, sports massages and a stall run by Mesnes Park junior parkrun.
Everyone was asked to do the Joining Jack “salute” on the start line, before a countdown by Jack saw the races get under way.
First across the finish line in the half marathon was Danny Hatton in 1:12:31, while Emily Simm (Blackpool Wyre and Fylde AC) set a course record of 1:17:16 when she was the first woman home, beating the previous record by more than three minutes.
The 5k was won by Tim Hartley in 16:29 and first woman was Rachel Sidebotham in 18:46, both representing Wigan Harriers.
A team of 100 volunteers ensured everything went smoothly, taking on a range of tasks from marshalling the routes and distributing water to handing out goodie bags and medals.
The date for next year’s Run Wigan Festival has not yet been announced, but registration is open for the Wigan 10k, which takes place on Sunday, September 6.
Sign up at www.wigan10k.co.uk.