Entries for the 2023 Bury Running Festival are now open

Bury Running Festival is set to return featuring the Bury 10 Mile, Bury 10K and brand-new Mini and Junior runs.

In partnership with Bury Council, event organisers Run For Are All are delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2023 Bury Running Festival.

Taking place on Sunday 1 October, the spectacular day of sporting achievements will see runners take part in one of three events with the return of the Bury 10K, Bury 10 Mile as well as the new Arena Group Bury Mini and Junior runs.

Offering entries for people from as young as 3, the festival will be an event for all. As in previous years, the events will start and finish in the heart of the town centre, outside The Rock shopping centre.

Whether runners take part in the 10 Mile or the 10K, routes follow a similar path seeing runners head out of the town centre, along Tottington Road and Bury Road, before making their way onto Kirklees Trail. The route will then make its way back to the town centre, before runners cross the finish line outside The Rock.

Open to participants of all abilities and ages, the Bury Running 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.

Run For All recognise that it is key to ensure these sporting events remain a positive, inclusive and welcoming experience for all those taking part. 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.

The Bury Running Festival is truly for all. Whether entrants decide to run, jog or walk, the Bury Running Festival endeavours to facilitate a way for all participants to get involved.

Taking place on the same day, the new Arena Group Bury Mini and Junior events will be a welcome addition to the Bury Running Festival with Arena Group returning as title sponsor of this year’s mini and junior event. The sponsorship forms a vital part of Arena Group’s wider aims to support key community-based initiatives.

As part of their sponsorship of the events, the Arena Group are looking to increase participation by offering 150 free entries to local schools in Bury and is encouraging schools to get in contact with Run For All directly to redeem these entries.

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.

Children aged 3-8 are invited to take part in the part in the 1.5Km Mini event and children aged 9-15 are invited to take part in the 2.5km junior event.

Gary Putson, Managing Director of Arena Group, 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.”

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 new 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.”

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and well-being, said: “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 1 October.

“Let’s see this event as a perfect way to kickstart a new running journey or build on current endeavours.”

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 local businesses across the region and is encouraging anyone interested in partnering with the event to get in touch.

Entries are now open for the Bury Running Festival. To sign up and check the route out, participants are encouraged to go to www.runforall.com