Stockport Council introduces the first ever Stockport Urban 5k running race. The closed road circuit takes in the iconic landmarks of Stockport centre and surrounding areas on Saturday 18th September.
The race will be run in memory of Stockport Council colleagues Will Garner and Dave O’Brien from the Street Lighting team and aims to raise funds for The British Heart Foundation and Beacon Counselling.
The timed 5k race starts at 10am at the Stockport Enduro and Cycling Festival Event Village of St Peters Square. The course will take in the sights of the Old Town and Market Hall before heading out along Fred Perry Way towards Vernon Park then back, taking in the epic hill at New Zealand Rd.
The race is organised by the Running Bee Foundation and is open to those who are 14 years and over. All participants will receive a medal and goody bag on completion. There will be a designated bag drop and water will be available on the route.
The race is part of the wider Stockport Enduro and Cycling Festival, Saturday activities so there will be lots for all the family to get involved in on the day with at the animated Event Village. Including face painting, spin bike taster sessions, smoothie making with the smoothie bike and the opportunity to try lots of different bikes including balance bikes, electric bikes and adapted bikes for those with limited ability.
Councillor David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said, “This race honours the memory of two of the best from our hardworking council team and will raise money for some great charities.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for Stockport to continue showcase its passion for active and sustainable travel. This event put Stockport further on the map on all things cycling and I can’t wait to see people getting involved and harnessing the post-Olympics spirit and picking up a medal.”
Leah Goodhind, British Heart Foundation’s Fundraising Manager for Cheshire said: “We are so grateful that Stockport Council have chosen to raise funds for the BHF. This year, the BHF is marking 60 years of funding pioneering research to save and improve lives. Covid-19 dealt a brutal blow to our work and caused our investment in new research to be cut in half last year. We can only fund this life saving research thanks to the generous support of the public, so in our 60th year, we urgently need more people to help us.”
Joanne Watson, Beacon Counselling said: " We're very honoured that Beacon Counselling has been selected by the families as one of the charities to receive funds from this race. Our belief that everyone should have an equal chance of good emotional well-being is at the core of everything we do. Funds raised will help us to deliver essential therapy to adults, young people and children experiencing mental distress."
To sign up to take part in Stockport Urban 5k please visit the website.