Looking to challenge yourself in 2023? Fancy working towards a new fitness goal? Reckon you’re up for a 10K, or even a half marathon?
While a lot of people will have already made a start at tackling their New Year’s resolutions, if you’re really up for a test this year, and have been thinking that signing up for the 2023 Great Manchester Run might be a good way to go, then one of Manchester’s most iconic charities is offering an ideal incentive to get you going.
We Love MCR Charity is giving The Manc’s readers and followers an exclusive opportunity to get their entry fees for this year’s event for FREE, alongside some incredible extra perks, if they choose to commit to raising some worthy funds in its name.
The charity wants to help ambitious Mancunians achieve their goals.
If you’ve not heard of We Love MCR Charity before, it’s one of the city’s longest-standing charitable organisations and works with some of the region’s most vulnerable people and ambitious communities to help them write Manchester’s next chapter.
You can get FREE entry fees if you do the Greater Manchester Run 2023 for this local charity / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
The charity says it knows the problems that people within our city face all too well, but is keen to address them by “spreading opportunities” and “helping communities to build themselves up” through direct financial support – yet none of this would be possible without committed individuals taking on challenges to raise money.
This is why the charity is giving places worth £44 for the 10K and £51 for the half marathon at the 2023 Great Manchester Run to The Manc’s readers and followers free of charge.
On top of that, as anyone who’s ever taken part in or been to the Great Manchester Run before will know, access to toilets, secure bag storage, and refreshments for runners can involve some pretty lengthy queues, which is why those who sign up to run for We Love MCR Charity will get an exclusive VIP package for free too.
We Love MCR Charity is also offering VIP perks to runners / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
The VIP package includes pre-race and post-race access to the Town Hall Extension on St Peter’s Square, where the charity’s volunteers will provide a secure bag and coat drop-off point and give you access to toilets, as well as a free celebratory glass of fizz or hot drink.
Runners will also get a letter from the Lord Mayor of Manchester congratulating them on their efforts and thanking them for their fundraising.
We Love MCR Charity piloted this VIP offer back 2022, and Joshua Chang, who was part of the ‘Vimto Runners Team’ has been singing its praises – “It was well organised and there was a nice, warm welcome from all the We Love MCR Charity volunteers, which really added to the experience.”
The Manc’s readers and followers just need to commit to raising at least £125 / Credit: We Love MCR Charity
Up for it then?
To sign up, you’ll just need to commit to raising at least £125 for We Love MCR Charity through a JustGiving sponsorship page.
To join ‘The Manc x We Love MCR’ team in the biggest race of the year, then all you need to do is email Ged at the We Love MCR Charity now to request your FREE VIP place – [email protected]
Featured Image – We Love MCR Charity
What's On
Council organises thousands of FREE activities for Greater Manchester kids this summer
Emily Sergeant
Thousands of free activities are planned ready for local families to take part in this summer.
With it only being a couple of weeks to go until schools right across Greater Manchester break up for the summer holidays, many parents, carers, and guardians will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained for the six whole weeks before the new term starts – and even better if those ‘ways’ don’t break the bank too much, either.
Thankfully, Manchester City Councilhas relaunched its Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF) to help keep little Mancs active during the summer break.
From arts and crafts, to sportingevents and plenty other physical activities, there is a whole host of entertaining things for everyone to get involved with, no matter your budget, making sure no one gets bored over the holidays.
The Council has organised thousands of free activities for Greater Manchester kids this summer / Credit: Senjuti Kundu (via Unsplash) | Yan Krukau (via Pexels)
If you’re unfamiliar with HAF’s long-term goal, it’s to ensure that some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Manchester, aged between 5-16 years old, get the support they need when the school term is over.
Last year alone, the Council says it was able to support a whopping 29,224 local children in accessing nearly 4,000 holiday sessions.
Although HAF is usually reserved for those eligible for free school meals, an extensive range of these free or low-cost activities taking place in Manchester this summer open for everyone to join in with.
There are thousands of FREE places for children’s activities over the school holidays.
PLUS each booked place will include a FREE meal during the day.
For those families who are eligible and a part of the HAF programme, a free and nutritious meal will also be provided at these free events, ensuring that no child has to endure holiday hunger.
“We know the holidays can be a real pinch point for families, which is why schemes such as the HAF programme are so important,” commented Councillor Julie Reid, who is the Executive Member for Early Years, Children, and Young People at Manchester City Council.
“Providing free activities can be a real boost for children of all ages throughout the holidays, allowing them to meet new friends and try out new things – both hugely significant in terms of their personal wellbeing and mental health.
“There’s lots of great events that will be running over the summer holidays with a free meal or snack included, so if you have not already been contacted to take part, I’d urge families to have a look at our Loads to Do website and see what they think their child would enjoy over the break.”
Check out all the free activities planned on the Loads To Do website here.
Featured Image – Artem Kniaz (via Unsplash)
What's On
Mika announces first-ever arena gig in Manchester next year
Thomas Melia
Global popstar and certified hitmaker Mika announces massive gig in Manchester set for next year as part of a huge string of world tour dates.
If you hear the name Mika and don’t instantly scream out, “I could be brown, I could be blue I could be violet sky”, you’re definitely on the wrong side of history.
This star has been pumping out hits like no other with singles ‘Grace Kelly’, ‘Lollipop’, ‘Relax, Take It Easy’, and plenty more since entering the music scene back in 2007.
Back in 2013, the Lebanon-born performer even released a Wicked-inspired duet ‘Popular Song’ with honorary Manc, Ariana Grande, called ‘Popular Song’ – with the latter going on to play Glinda in the live action musical.
Mika is heading out on a world tour which visits Manchester next year.
Now, the global singer-songwriter is ready to head out on his biggest tour to date, and he’s playing a variety of venues, including our trusty 21,000 seater AO Arena.
The ‘Grace Kelly’ penman found himself hitting a career pinnacle back in 2022 when he co-presented one of the music calendar’s biggest highlights: the Eurovision Song Contest.
With six studio albums to his name and another LP on the way, this upcoming run of shows will be nothing less than impressive.
Our friends over at The Hoot got an exclusive preview of the title track from Mika’s upcoming album ‘Spinning Out’ when he played a special set as part of Sounds in the City at Millennium Square.
As well as being known for his smash hit singles, another big talking point is Mika’s extravagant stage, one we’re sure the Manchester crowd will be embracing with open arms.
The last time Mika paid Manchester a visit was just last year at one of the city’s many live music venues, O2 Apollo, on his ‘Apocalypse Calypso’ tour, and he’s clearly eager to see our lovely faces once again.
Mika is embarking on the ‘Spinning Out’ tour and paying a visit to AO Arena in Manchester on 11 February 2026, with tickets on sale from Friday 11 July at 10am HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd February 2023 
