Organisers 'over the moon' as Wigan 10k and family mile raises £50,000 for Joining Jack
The total amount of money raised at the Wigan 10k and family mile has been revealed.
The 14th annual Wigan 10k and family mile raised £50,000 for charity Joining Jack, organisers have announced.
And many other good causes also received a financial boost as they were supported by runners and walkers taking part.
The popular event, which was held at Mesnes Park last weekend, is organised by the Wigan-based charity to fund research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, after Warriors player Andy Johnson and his wife Alex were told their son Jack, now 18, has the muscle wasting disorder.
A post on Wigan 10k’s Facebook page said: “We are over the moon to confirm that our fabulous 14th HW Moon Toyota Wigan 10k and family mile has raised a fantastic £50,000 for Joining Jack.
“Alongside hundreds and thousands of pounds raised for so many other charities, good causes and organisations, it is an incredible sum for Team JJ and, after the amazing achievements of last year when we smashed the massive £1/2 million milestone, it sets us well on the way to £1milllion.”
More than 2,300 people completed the Wigan 10k, braving a heavy downpour on the way to earn their medal as they crossed the finish line.
Members of Wigan Warriors’ women’s team volunteered at the water station on the course, forming part of an army of volunteers who ensured the event went smoothly.
In first place was Carter Taylor (Fife AC), followed by Danny Hatton and Timothy Hartley (Wigan and District Harriers AC), while the women’s race was won by Georgia Munro (Wigan Athletic Community Trust), ahead of Melanie Walls and Rachel Sidebotham (both Wigan and District Harriers AC).
The family mile followed, with excited children sprinting through the park and earning their own medals.
Organisers have announced that next year’s Wigan 10k and family mile will be held on Sunday, September 5.
Entries are already available at www.wigan10k.co.uk and already more than 350 people have registered.
There is an early bird price of £22 (£20 for club runners) for the first 500 people who sign up, which will rise to £28 (£26 for club runners) once this figure is reached.