Wigan 10k organisers 'excited' as registration opens for 2021 race

With the Government aiming to lift all coronavirus restrictions in June, charity Joining Jack is now making preparations for its flagship race to go ahead.

The ninth annual event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 5 in Wigan town centre.

A statement from the organisers said: "After the heartbreak of missing out on last year's eighth event, we are so excited to be back and we hope you can join us in supporting our awesome organising charity Joining Jack.

"We were incredibly touched by the response to our Virtual Wigan 10k last year, raising a fabulous £11,000 for Team JJ and receiving the all-important bling in the post. But there's nothing like the Wigan 10k.

"We can't wait to see everyone on the start line in the sunshine in September and we have a special early bird offer for our first 500 runners.

"We are also thrilled to confirm that the 2021 Wigan 10k will also feature one of our favourite races - the Wigan Family Mile. If you've got a budding 10k star who isn't old enough to take part in the main event but can run like the wind, why not sign them up? Adults, that's mum, dads, grannies, granddads, aunties and uncles, can run for free with a registered family mile runner, so there's all kinds of fun on the day.

"We can't wait to see you all and look forward to everyone coming together for our incredible ninth event."

Registration for the first 500 runners in the Wigan 10k costs £20 (£18 for affiliated athletes) and will rise to £24 (£22 affiliated) afterwards. Sign up hereRunners who had registered for last year's race before it was cancelled, who then went on to complete the Virtual 2020 Wigan 10k, will be sent a 50 per cent discount code to register once the early bird offer is full.

Anyone who deferred their place in last year's 10k or family mile will be automatically transferred to the 2021 event when the early bird offer has closed and will be sent confirmation of their place.

Runners are currently taking part in the charity's virtual 13 For 13 challenge, where they are asked to cover the distance of a half marathon (13.1 miles) during March to celebrate the 13th birthday of Joining Jack's namesake Jack Johnson.

It replaces the Run Wigan Festival, which is usually held this month but had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus restrictions.

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