Wigan 10k puts hope on the course this 6 September

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-27 12:36 3 min read

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The Wigan 10k returns to Mesnes Park on Sunday 6 September 2026, bringing together runners, families and a team raising money for two suicide support charities. The programme includes the main 10k race and a Family Mile, while Samaritans and Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) will have stalls in the park.

Wigan Council’s announcement does not state a start time, entry price or booking arrangements. Anyone planning to run or attend should check the official Wigan 10k event information for those details before travelling.

Event detail	Confirmed information
Date	Sunday 6 September 2026
Venue	Mesnes Park, Wigan
Programme	Wigan 10k and Family Mile
Suitable for	Runners and families
Price and booking	Not stated in the council announcement

More than 40 runners unite behind two charities

More than 40 runners from local public services, healthcare organisations and community partners will use the event to raise funds and awareness for Samaritans and SoBS. Their target is more than £1,000, with the final amount divided equally between the two charities.

The group includes members of Wigan Council’s public health team alongside colleagues from the SWAN Primary Care Network, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and addiction support charity We Are With You. Twenty-seven runners will represent the SWAN Primary Care Network.

Their effort is inspired by Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope, which runs from World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September to World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The campaign encourages open conversations about mental health, hopeful messages and support for people who may be struggling.

Wigan 10k puts hope on the course this 6 September

Lisa Sandiford, suicide prevention lead at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said the run is dedicated to people lost to suicide and those living with bereavement. Drawing on her own experience of suicide loss, she described the event as an act of solidarity and a demonstration of what local organisations can do through collaboration.

Dr Adam Jolles, one of the SWAN runners, said the impact of suicide extends across people’s support networks and stressed the shared responsibility to look out for those experiencing mental health difficulties.

The 10k and Family Mile return to Mesnes Park

The HW Moon Toyota Wigan 10k is now in its 14th year. More than 3,500 people took part in either the 10k or Family Mile in 2025, giving prospective visitors an indication of the event’s established place in Wigan’s calendar.

Across its history, the event has raised more than £500,000 for Joining Jack, a charity supporting work related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It has also provided fundraising opportunities for other local and national causes.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Wigan Council’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, wished runners well and encouraged support for the participating charities. He said Samaritans assists people in crisis, while SoBS supports adults affected by suicide loss.

Charity support available at the event

Visitors will be able to find stalls for Samaritans and SoBS at Mesnes Park. SoBS is a peer-led organisation offering face-to-face and virtual support groups, email support, an online forum and a national helpline for adults affected by suicide bereavement. Its helpline number is 0300 111 5065.

Samaritans connects people in crisis with trained volunteers who listen without judgement. Its free telephone service is available around the clock on 116 123.

The council has also identified a JustGiving page for those wishing to sponsor the combined team. Entry prices, booking requirements and the start time were not included in the announcement, so prospective runners and families should confirm those practical arrangements through the official Wigan 10k information before setting out.

Source: Wigan Council

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Source check Source trail

The event details, fundraising figures and support contacts were checked against information published by Wigan Council.

Checks

Confirmed the event date as Sunday 6 September 2026 and the venue as Mesnes Park.
Confirmed that the programme includes the Wigan 10k and Family Mile.
Checked the £1,000 fundraising target and the equal split between Samaritans and SoBS.
Kept the start time, price and booking arrangements unspecified because the source did not...

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