We Love MCR Charity introduce covid-safe fundraiser to help us “fall in love with our city all over again”
A MANCHESTER charity has introduced a covid-compliant event that encourages us to explore the city and celebrate its history.
The We Love MCR Charity have announced their latest fundraising event — the Landmarks of Manchester 10k — a circular route around Manchester going past some of the city’s most iconic locations.
The 10k is a free event open to all ages and abilities. You can choose to run or walk the route.
As mass-participation events are still unable to take place due to COVID-19, the 10k is running from March 29 to July 31, allowing more people to join in over a longer time period.
Nick Clarke, We Love MCR Charity’s business support officer, said: “It’s our way of bringing Manchester out of lockdown, safely and positively, allowing people to remember all of their emotions and their memories that were attached to the city, over years or recently, and fall in love with it all over again.
“We’re a great city for so many past reasons, and hopefully for so many going forward, and this is a way to celebrate all that.”
The landmarks you will see on the route include Canal Street, the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst, Manchester Technology Centre (where Alan Turing created the first computer), the Vimto Monument, and many more…
Leanne Chorlton completed the 10k in April with her family. She said: “I enjoyed being out and about, walking in places we don’t usually go.
“There was lots to see regards Manchester’s history and landmarks — not just the ones listed in the information pack — we found out loads of things we didn’t know!”
We Love MCR Charity are also running a competition alongside the 10k. The two entrants who take the best selfie or video with one of the landmarks will win prizes in support of Manchester’s hospitality sector.
The winners will receive either £200 worth of vouchers to use at various restaurants via the Manchester Confidential app, or a £75 voucher for Rudy’s Pizzeria.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Tommy Judge, will decide on the winning entries.
He said: “We’re blessed with such diverse heritage and rich scientific breakthroughs — this 10k run will help us all to uncover and celebrate our history.”
Unlike other running events that require entrants to raise a certain amount of money in order to take part, the We Love MCR Charity have not set a minimum fundraising amount needed to participate.
Ged Carter, We Love MCR Charity’s development manager, said: “Whatever sponsorship money you can raise for us is greatly appreciated, as it will help us to keep supporting the people and organisations that make this city so wonderful.”
The We Love MCR Charity provide funding for communities and groups within the city, making sure residents have the best chances in life.
According to Mr Clarke, the charity provided just under one million pounds to over 300 community groups during the first lockdown.
Mr Clarke, who works closely with the development manager and the grants officer, added: “It’s a very small team, but doing big things.”
To find out more about the Landmarks of Manchester 10k, visit welovemcrcharity.org.
