Runners provide major charity boost at the 2022 Bury Running Festival

Bury became a blaze of colour as fun runners, club runners and charity fundraisers took part in the 2022 Bury Running Festival.

The day included the much-loved Bury 10K, the popular Arena Group Bury Fun Run and this year’s brand-new event, the Bury 10 Mile.

Runners of all abilities returned to the town’s streets in a carnival celebration of running, fundraising and Northern pride to take part in this hugely popular running event.

Some came for a personal challenge, a few hoped to win and others simply aimed to get around the 10K course, but all helped make the Bury Running Festival a brilliant success, with thousands of pounds raised for many local and national charities.

Organised by Run For All, in partnership with Bury Council, the day also played host to the Arena Group Bury Fun Run. Starting and finishing at the Rock Shopping Centre, the event saw children and adults of all abilities take on a 1.2km course around the town centre.

The actioned packed day of running started and finished at The Rock shopping centre. The brand-new 10 Mile kicked off at 9am, with runners making their way out of the town centre along Tottington Road, Bury Road, Scobell Street, Church Street, Bradshaw Road, Harwood Road, Holcombe Road and Brandlesholme Road, before heading into Kirklees Valley Local Nature Reserve and along Kirklees Trail.

Runners then made their way back to the town centre for the big finish.

The 10K followed shortly after, kicking off at 9.30am. The route followed a similar path as the 10-mile but takes a less expansive route of the town centre, while still allowing participants to take in the scenic views of Kirklees Valley.

The first across the finish line of the 10 Mile run was Kevin Waterhouse in a time of 57 minutes and 22 seconds.

Jennifer Badger was the first woman across the finish line in 1 hour, 7 minutes and 14 seconds

As for the 10k course, first across the line was Luke Edwards in a time of 32 minutes and 58 seconds.

Harriet Kirby was the first woman across the finish line in 44 minutes and 4 seconds.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, said: “The response to this year’s Bury Running Festival has been amazing. After a two-year hiatus, it has been fantastic to see so many runners of all abilities and ages get involved.

“The sun was shining and the enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants themselves to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a brilliant success.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic marshals, volunteers, spectators, sponsors and partners who helped to make the event an unforgettable experience for those taking part.”

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care health and wellbeing at Bury Council, added: “It was fantastic to see so many runners, of all abilities and ages cross the finish line at the Bury Running Festival.

“A huge well done to everyone who took part! Whether it’s your first race or your tenth, a personal best or not, every runner should be incredibly proud of their achievement.

“My personal thanks too to all the volunteers that gave up their valuable time to make this a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.”

Participants raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking part in the event, including the events partner charities; Bury Hospice, Women’s Housing Action Group (WHAG) and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.