It’s once again time for The Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness, one of the most inspiring and impactful charitable events of the year and one that you can be a part of.
For anyone unfamiliar with the initiative, the charity run is a mass participation group relay that is held over a full 24 hours right here in Manchester city centre, with Mancs and people all across the country tuning into a live stream to donate.
Runners and walkers alike set off together in recurring waves to complete 5km laps around the city streets, all in an effort to raise money for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity‘s ‘A Bed Every Night’ (ABEN) scheme, which aims to help provide shelter and support for those sleeping rough.
Providing crucial aid not only to Manchester’s existing homeless community but those at risk of ending up on the street, the charity works tirelessly year-round to reduce the number of rough sleepers as much as possible and now the MCR 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness is back for 2023 to do their bit.
Now into its fifth year, the relay has raised an incredible total of £26,372.50, including £3,372.50 in Gift Aid since it first began, with over £12k of that being raised during the 2022 run alone and nearly 900 beds funded.
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Set up by University of Manchester students and now alumni, Tom Lewis and James Bannister (who served as Chairman and VC for the uni’s free running society, Run Wild MCR), the idea of the event was to run around the city and observe the conditions people living on the streets experience every night, all whilst raising vital funds to stop that happening.
All the money raised goes directly to the GMMC, which provides a comfy bed, a warm welcome and personal support for anyone sleeping rough on the streets in the region — a cause we can all get behind.
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Their mission is to end the need for rough sleeping and hidden homelessness throughout Greater Manchester and since the event’s inception in 2019, rough sleeping numbers across the region have reduced by 52%. Incredible stuff.
For those that stick through it all day and night, those last few laps are absolutely knackering — but they keep going anyway.
Last year’s event alone reached around 65,000 people across various social media channels and saw an almost even gender split both in those who engaged with the Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness online and who took part for themselves.
2022 saw over 1,000 laps completed by hundreds of people, as well as over 30 running clubs and local organisations, sports-based or otherwise, taking part and putting the miles in for the event.
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The Mayor of Greater Manchester himself, Andy Burnham, also paid an important visit to cheer everyone on and spread the word about the annual charity run. Rumour has it that Burno might even be taking part alongside the hordes of runners this year…
They also recently held their new ‘Shake-Out’ event from their new base of operations at 53two bar, theatre and arts charity venue on Watson Street, tucked just behind the main Deansgate strip, to raise awareness, get the fundraising ball rolling and show off the route for this year’s run.
While the people behind this truly remarkable event are still looking for local organisations to help promote the event and hopefully match their fundraising total for 2023, the Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness’s reputation is growing more each year — as is their tally.
Taking place on 15 November from the HQ at 53two, where looped laps of the route will start and end every few minutes, we sincerely hope you come along and get involved with this extremely worthy cause.
Not only will a few members of The Manc team be taking part yet again this year but we’ll also be sharing the live stream on our Facebook page. You can get donating NOW or on the night and we hope to see a few of you there and even more tuning in!
Featured Image — Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness/Run Wild MCR
Sport
Wigan Warriors finally reveal next season’s kits following update on delayed release
Danny Jones
Wigan Warriors have now officially revealed their new shirts for next season, following a much-anticipated update regarding the 2026 kits, the release of which had been delayed.
The Greater Manchester club lost this year’s Grand Final but still had a strong season, and with another local outfit having been relegated from the division, they are one of just two teams from the region competing for the title in the upcoming campaign.
However, supporters were fretting that they might not be able to get their new threads until after Christmas due to the launch of the latest merchandise being postponed.
Thankfully, this week, the club not only informed fans that things are getting back on schedule but also officially revealed the Wigan Warriors home and away shirt strips for the 30th anniversary edition of the Super League on Tuesday afternoon.
As you can see, the nearby rugby outfit is staying with Kappa as their manufacturer and, as ever, is sticking with the deep red, white and black colour combos across both jerseys.
Branding the home shirt as the ‘Loyal’ fit and the away one as their ‘Rebel’ version, the kits both feature horizontal stripes and other geometrical variations.
Most notably, Warriors now have a positive update on the status of the kits’ full launch, even if they don’t have an exact timeline just yet.
Writing to fans in an official statement, the club said: “Wigan Warriors are happy to report that [we are] expecting delivery of the 2026 home and away kits imminently.”
They go on to explain that they have been “experiencing significant delays” regarding the supply pipeline, which they say “were beyond the control of the Club.”
Nevertheless, the cogs are moving once again; you can see a closer look at some of the details below.
The home shirt…A.K.A. ‘Loyal’ kitAnd the away jersey…Or ‘Rebel’ strip
Warriors Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, continued: “We want to thank everyone for their patience and continued support. Due to issues outside of our control, delivery timelines have unfortunately been impacted.
“We understand how frustrating this has been for supporters, particularly so close to Christmas, and we genuinely share that frustration. Please be assured that our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure delivery as quickly as possible.
“We apologise that we have not been able to provide an earlier update while matters were ongoing. We are pleased to confirm that the delivery has now cleared customs and will be arriving at the Club imminently.”
Although personalisation will not yet be made available due to a focus on processing “as many orders as possible in the shortest time frame”, pre-orders for both shirts are now live, and those interested are being urged to opt for click and collect/visit in store where possible to avoid any further waiting.
Macclesfield FC player Ethan McLeod tragically killed in car crash
Danny Jones
Local footballer Ethan McLeod, who played for Macclesfield FC, has sadly died following a tragic car crash on the motorway.
The Birmingham-born player and former Wolves academy talent was driving back home from Macclesfield’s away game against Bedford Town on Tuesday night when he was involved in a collision along the M1.
Just 21 years old, the talented Cheshire-based forward was a substitute in the 2-1 win over the East Midlands side in the National League North.
The accident is said to have occurred at around 10:40pm on 16 December near Northampton after his white Mercedes collided with a barrier.
You can read the official Silkmen statement in full down below:
“With the heaviest of hearts and an overwhelming sense of surrealism that Macclesfield FC can confirm the passing of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod.
Travelling back from Bedford Town last night, Ethan was involved in a car accident on the M1, which tragically took his life. Ethan was an incredibly talented and well-respected member of our First Team Squad, who had his whole life ahead of him.
“But more than that, Ethan’s infectious personality endeared him to everyone that he came into contact with. In giving his all in everything he did, Ethan effortlessly pushed us all to be the best we can be – both on and off the pitch.
“Ethan’s professionalism and unwavering work ethic inspired everyone, and his lust for life put smiles on all our faces – even on the darkest of days. News of Ethan’s passing has devastated our entire Club, and no words can convey the immense sense of sadness and loss that we feel now.
Rest in peace, Ethan McLeod.
The Macclesfield FC forward was involved in a car accident that took his life when travelling back from Bedford Town on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/A3u7JFmdlE
“The deep mental scars elicited from Ethan’s passing will undeniably never heal”, they continued, “but one thing is for sure, and that is Ethan’s vibrant legacy will never fade, no matter how much time passes in the future.
“Ethan will live in our hearts and minds forevermore, and no matter what the future holds, his unique smile that mesmerised us all will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Ethan’s family and friends at this deeply traumatic time, together with an assurance that we will provide as much support as we can to those who need it. May you rest in peace, Ethan – you will forever be a Silkman.
His past clubs, as well as plenty of other teams, organisations and people in and around the footballing world, are paying tribute to the promising youngster.
Rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod who has passed away following a car accident last night.
The 21 year old spent a number of years with the academy setup at Wolves and will be missed by many. #WWFCpic.twitter.com/MSjKaISMKT
Danny Jones -
20th October 2023 
