AJ Bell Great Manchester Run partners with Sale Sharks Foundation

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the Sale Sharks Foundation, the charitable arm of Premiership Rugby side Sale Sharks, ahead of this year’s event.

This new partnership unites two organisations deeply embedded in the North West and is founded on a shared mission to inspire people of all ages to embrace the benefits of sport and physical activity.

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is a festival of running which celebrates Manchester’s vibrant spirit with live music and energetic support as thousands of runners take part on Saturday 17th May at the Junior and Mini Run events and on Sunday 18th May for the 10K and Half Marathon challenge. This year, with the Sale Sharks Foundation’s support, the event promises to be even more impactful, bringing communities together while raising vital funds for life-changing programmes across the region.

Paul Foster, CEO of the Great Run Company, said “We’re thrilled to announce this partnership with the Sale Sharks Foundation for 2025. Their deep community roots and passion for using sport as a force for good make them an ideal partner for the Great Manchester Run. Together, we want to inspire thousands to get active and create a lasting positive impact across communities in Manchester and the North West.”

Michelle Orange, Co-Owner of Sale Sharks & Trustee of Sale Sharks Foundation, added “The Sale Sharks Foundation is at the heart of everything we do, using rugby to engage, educate, and empower communities across the North West. The Great Manchester Run is a great event that brings together an entire city. Having our fans take part in the event is a fantastic way to encourage people to embrace an active lifestyle, while also supporting the Foundation’s vital work in health, education, grassroots rugby development and inclusion.”

Star Power on Race Day

Race day will see former Sale Sharks winger, coach and newly appointed England coach Byron McGuigan running the 10K, joined by players from the Sale Sharks Women’s team including Laura Perrin, Holly Thorpe, India Redding and Nikita Prothero (pictured below left-right).

Inspiring Community Champions

The entire Sharks family is rallying together to mark 25 incredible years of Sale Sharks Rugby, with the special group named, Sharks Team 25, running to celebrate this milestone and raise money for the Foundation. Among the Sharks runners are inspiring community members, including:

David Blyth
When 42-year-old David was struggling with depression and the challenges of raising four children, three of whom have autism, his friend Chris Randall stepped in, introducing him to the power of rugby and running. Taking those first steps on a run helped David break the cycle of isolation, rebuild his mental health, and find a sense of freedom and belonging. Inspired by the difference sport made in his life, David introduced his youngest son to rugby, and both are now proud Sale Sharks season ticket holders, a living reminder that a simple act of encouragement can change lives and strengthen families. (Pictured above, on the left David, with Chris).

Stephan and Chloe Couture
The dynamic father-daughter duo are running to raise funds for the Sharks foundation. Having completed over 70 events together, their mission is about increasing awareness around disability inclusion in sport and inspiring others to believe that no challenge is too great. Stephan advocate the physical and emotional benefits for disabled individuals, including reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of belonging, are life changing.

A Full Weekend of Sale Sharks Activities

The Sale Sharks Foundation will be present throughout the event weekend. On Saturday, they’ll bring fun, family-friendly activities to the Junior and Mini Run events at the Etihad Campus with a “Come Try It Zone“.

Look out for Sharks! Adding colour and fun to the main event on Sunday, Sale Sharks runners will be unmistakable thanks to bespoke shark fins handmade by superfan Murdo Forsythe (pictured above). Fans are encouraged to line the streets and wave their Sharks scarves to cheer runners on helping to boost the atmosphere across Manchester, and with a dedicated Sharks Cheer Point they will create a roar of support for all participants.

Abi Dean, CEO of Sale Sharks Foundation, said “At Sale Sharks Foundation, we are passion about using the transformative power of rugby to change lives across the North West. We thank everyone participating in the Great Manchester Run on behalf of the Foundation, not only are they supporting us to continue our valuable work, but they’re an inspiration to individuals of all ages to embrace physical activity, enhancing both their physical and mental health. Together, we can drive meaningful change in our communities, foster a sense of belonging, and address inequality, one step at a time.”

Over the past two years, Sale Sharks Foundation has reached more than 30,000 people through programmes focused on education, inclusivity, employability, mental health, and grassroots rugby. Funds raised through the Great Manchester Run will help the Foundation expand its life-changing impact even further. Find out more here.

The Great Manchester Run Half Marathon is now sold out and remaining places for the 10K are expected to sell out shortly, so enter now to secure your spot on the famous start line.