Mencap invites keen runners and fundraisers to sign up to run in the Heaton Park Run this May.
Join #TeamMencap for a 1K, 5K, 10K walk, jog or run in Manchester on 12th May.
Mencap works to support 1.4 million people in the UK with a learning disability, their families and carers by fighting to change laws, improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities. Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.
The Park Run event is ideal for a family day out, with the routes made suitable for all fitness levels to run, jog or walk. So, whether you aim for a personal best or take your time, by tying your laces and clocking up the kilometres for Mencap, you’re helping people with a learning disability live the life they choose.
Entry is just £15 and at least £100 in sponsorship, or £30 if you would prefer not to fundraise. Plus children aged 11 and under can sign up for the 5km for just £7.50, or the 1km route for £5. However please note that children aged 11 and under can only take part in the 1K or 5K. If children under 14 run the 5K or 10K they must take part with an adult. Children can run the 1K on their own. If you have a disability, your supporter can join you for free, and there are wheelchair places available too. The entry fee covers the cost of organising the event, but the money you raise that improves lives of people with a learning disability.
Enjay McConnell, took part in the Mencap Heaton Park Run in 2018. This is what she said about the event and why she took part…
“I did very little exercise and definitely was not a runner – that was until I saw an advert for the Mencap Heaton Park Run event.
It seemed the perfect opportunity considering I have a little boy with a learning disability. So enough was enough with my lack of motivation and fitness, and I couldn’t blame it on baby weight anymore! It was time to step up my game and prove to Rowan that if mummy can do anything, so can he.
I signed up that night, set my JustGiving page up and eagerly awaited my first sponsor. They came in steadily, and this gave me the confidence boost I needed to push myself to get out there and get training. Fast forward to the day of the run. Alarm was set, but I’d been up since 6.30am excited for the day, like a kid at Christmas!
When I got there the atmosphere was incredible! The sun was shining, music was playing and the people working at the event were great and full of smiles. I got my running number and bright pink t-shirt. There were lots of people who were ready to run. It was lovely to see so many there for such an amazing cause.
I watched some of the children finish the 1K run and I couldn’t help but have a massive smile across my face. Seeing everyone there made me realise, as a mum to a child with a learning disability, that the work Mencap does is so important. All these people were here for children and adults like my son, and I couldn’t have been prouder to be a part of it.
Now for the run – I had so much fun! It was hot and that last hill was brutal. But I did it! I proved to myself, and most importantly to Rowan, that anything you set yourself up for you can achieve. I’ve raised over £300 for Mencap, and although not a lot of money to some I am beyond proud of that.
If anyone reading this thinks it’s something they’d like to do then the best advice I can give is to go for it. Dust off those trainers, or even better go treat yourself to a new pair and do it! You won’t regret it. The buzz you feel throughout the whole day is like no other.
Thank you to Mencap for organising such a brilliant day. I can’t wait for the next one!”
To find out more and sign up, visit Mencap.org.uk/manchester2019, email events@mencap.org.uk or call 020 7696 6946.