Wigan 10k on 6 September: the cause behind the miles

The 14th annual HW Moon Toyota Wigan 10k is scheduled for Sunday 6 September 2026 at Mesnes Park in Wigan. According to Wigan Council, the programme includes the 10k race, a Family Mile and stalls supporting two suicide prevention charities.

The event is aimed at runners and families. The council notice does not state a start time, entry price, booking process, transport arrangements or accessibility details, so prospective participants should confirm those practicalities through the official Wigan 10k information before setting out.

More than 40 runners unite behind two charities

A fundraising team of more than 40 runners will bring together Wigan Council public health staff, healthcare workers, emergency-service colleagues and community partners. They hope to raise more than £1,000 for Samaritans and Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide, known as SOBS.

The team includes representatives of 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 are expected to represent the SWAN network alone.

All money collected by the group will be divided equally between Samaritans and SOBS. Wigan Council says donations can be made through the team’s JustGiving page, while both charities will have stalls at Mesnes Park during the event.

The run takes place shortly before Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope, which begins on World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September and continues until 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.

Lisa Sandiford, suicide prevention lead at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, is taking part after experiencing suicide bereavement herself. She said the run is dedicated to people who have died, those affected by their loss and the work of building stronger community support. Dr Adam Jolles, one of the SWAN runners, also stressed the shared responsibility to look out for people experiencing mental-health difficulties.

The 10k and Family Mile return to Mesnes Park

Race day will offer two confirmed activities: the main Wigan 10k and the Family Mile. More than 3,500 runners took part across the two distances last year, giving an indication of the event’s established place in Wigan’s local calendar.

The Wigan 10k is now in its 14th year. Across its history, it has raised more than £500,000 for Joining Jack, a charity focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, while also supporting other local and national causes.

This year’s partnership runners have a distinct fundraising target within the wider event. Their sponsorship effort will support people in crisis through Samaritans and adults affected by suicide loss through SOBS, rather than changing the broader charitable history of the race.

How donations and support will work

People who want to support the partnership team can donate through its JustGiving fundraiser. Every pound collected by the group is due to be split evenly between Samaritans and SOBS.

SOBS provides peer-led help for adults affected by suicide loss, including face-to-face and virtual groups, email support, an online forum and a national helpline on 0300 111 5065. Samaritans connects people in crisis with trained volunteers and can be called free at any time on 116 123.

Prospective runners and families can consult the official Wigan 10k website for current race arrangements. The council’s confirmed details place both distances and the two charity stalls at Mesnes Park on Sunday 6 September.

Source: Wigan Council