Local Life - Wigan - March 2019

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Run Wigan
The Run Wigan Festival returns this March.
The festival, which includes a half marathon, a ten
miler, a 5K run and a family mile, brings runners
from across the borough together in support of
local charity Joining Jack. Each event helps to raise
money for the fight against Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy – a progressive muscle wasting disease
which is diagnosed in around 100 boys per year in
the UK.
Wigan boy Jack was diagnosed with DMD in
2011, and since then his family have dedicated
themselves to raising money and awareness for the
disease, which currently has no cure.
Run Wigan Festival is just one way to support the
cause. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or
a complete beginner, the festival has something
for you! Each event is marshalled by Joining
Jack volunteers, and promises to be an exciting
opportunity to get active for a great cause. Better
yet – in true Wigan fashion, every half-marathon
and 5K finisher receives a free pie and a goodie bag.
Jack’s mum Alex Johnson is keen to continue
fundraising to truly
make a different for
DMD sufferers. ‘From
small acorns these
events have grown
to be bigger than we
ever thought possible
when Joining Jack
was launched in 2012.
Last year we raised an
unbelievable £100,000
thanks to the support
and generosity of
everyone involved,
whether taking part
in runs or cycles, volunteering, sponsoring a
participant or helping tell our story through social
media.
‘This year I know we are going to be even bigger
and better – and take us one step closer to changing
lives,’ she added.
The Run Wigan Festival is just one of the ways you
can get involved in fundraising for Joining Jack
this year. On Sunday, June 30 the Wigan Bike Ride
takes place, featuring both a 50 mile main ride and
a 5 mile family ride. To date more than 1,200 riders
have taken part in the event, which has so far raised
£60,000 for the cause.
Then, in September, the Wigan 10K returns in its
seventh incarnation. 2019’s event will see the race’s
20,000th runner taking part on Sunday, September
1. The race takes place on closed roads.
Each of the events in the Run Wigan Festival has its
own entry fee and route, details of which can be
found at www.runwiganfestivals.co.uk.
For more information about Joining Jack, head to
www.joiningjack.org.