Bury’s big race day is back as thousands get ready to run for local causes

Friday, 29 August 2025 09:42

By David Murphy

Community spirit and charity fundraising take centre stage at this year’s Bury Running Festival.

Bury is gearing up for a major event in its sporting calendar as the Bury BID 10K returns on Sunday 7 September, alongside its Mini and Junior races.

Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the festival is expected to draw thousands of runners and spectators into the town centre. The route starts outside The Rock shopping centre and leads participants through Bury and onto the Kirklees Trail, before looping back into the centre for a high-energy finish.

The event, delivered in partnership with Bury Council and Bury BID, is designed to cater for all abilities and age groups. Entries remain open for both the 10K and the shorter Mini and Junior races, which begin at 11.30am.

Nigel Shields, Bury BID’s town centre director, said the festival was about much more than just fitness. “Events like this bring hundreds of people into Bury, creating a real buzz that benefits our local businesses and builds pride in our community,” he said.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and public service reform, encouraged people to get involved, adding: “It’s more than a run, it’s a celebration of health, achievement and community.”

Participants will enjoy live entertainment, race-day treats, and the motivational buzz of a supportive crowd. The event’s central aim remains charity fundraising, with runners urged to support official partners including Backup, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Jigsaw, and Trust House.

The Mini and Junior events are open to anyone aged three and up and are partnered with PhysCap, a charity that supports children with physical and learning disabilities by funding specialist equipment.

This year’s participants include Carl, 65, who will take on his fifth Bury 10K after recovering from prostate cancer. Following a year of treatment, he is now six months in remission and has pledged to run every year until he turns 70.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, said: “Whether participants are running for fun, for a cause close to their heart or for a personal challenge, we want to wish everyone the best of luck.”

To allow the event to run safely, road closures and parking restrictions will be in place throughout the town centre. Full details are available via Bury Council’s events page.

Anyone wishing to take part can still register online at www.runforall.com, with entries accepted up to the day of the event.