Manchester will again play host to hundreds of runners helping to fast-track a cure for paralysis by taking part in the Life Style Sports Run in the Dark.
The event will take place at Salford Quays, along with numerous other venues in the UK and around the world to raise money for the Mark Pollock Trust.
The annual event, now in its third year, wants people of all ages and abilities to come together and adorn their running shoes and high visibility attire and to light up the night.
At the same time in over 50 cities worldwide, up to 25,000 other runners will be joining the series all in a quest to help pioneer Mark Pollock’s cause.
WORLDWIDE: The Run in the Dark is a global event, with Salford Quays hosting the Manchester race
After losing his sight in 1998, Mark went on to compete in ultra-endurance races across deserts, mountains, and the polar ice caps and was the first blind person to race to the South Pole.
He also won silver and bronze medals for rowing at the Commonwealth Games and set up a motivational speaking business.
Then in July 2010 Mark suffered a tragic fall from a second story window where he broke his back and was left paralysed.
Undeterred by this, he has since made it his mission to explore the frontiers of spinal cord injury recovery through aggressive physical therapy and robotic technology.
By 2020 the aim is to raise €5million through Run in the Dark alone, and they are well on their way to achieving their goal.
Wheelchair basketball team Bolton Bulls and local running group Manchester Harriers are among the runners, and have joined forces to raise the awareness.
JOINED FORCES: The Bolton Bulls (pictured) and Manchester Harriers are raising awareness
Graeme Lambert, Treasurer and an able-bodied player for the Bolton Bulls who took part in the event last year, said: “Run in the Dark stood out to me as the Mark Pollock Trust complimented our prime target audience.
“It is the first ever group event the team has completed and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
“This year we hope to double the amount of people involved as our ultimate goal is to raise even more money for a great cause.”
And that is certainly the message. With numbers increasing every year, people are being urged to run or even walk the route to join in and raise awareness further.
For the Manchester Harriers taking part means a chance to beat their personal best in the 10K, with keen runner Emma Tolond taking part this year for the first time after missing out last year.
“I was unable to take part in the 2014 event but many of my friends did and said they had a blast,” she said.
“Salford Quays is always a popular location for runners and is especially scenic at night under the lights.
“There will be a number of the Manchester Harriers involved this year and of course there will be a bit of healthy competition between us all as we hope to improve our personal best.
“I hope to complete the course in 40 minutes.”
The event will take place at 8pm on Wednesday November 11, starting and finishing at Salford Quays.
To find out more about the event and to join the Manchester Harriers and the Bolton Bulls in this unique worldwide phenomenon click here.
You can also join in the #RunInTheDark conversation by following @TheRunInTheDark on Twitter and ‘Run in the Dark’ on Facebook.
More information about the Mark Pollock Trust can be found here.
