Wigan 10k brings hope to Mesnes Park on 6 September

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-27 12:40 3 min read

Large crowd of runners participating in a vibrant charity marathon event on city streets.

The HW Moon Toyota Wigan 10k returns to Mesnes Park on Sunday 6 September 2026, bringing together runners, families and charity supporters. 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 event notice does not provide a start time, entry price, booking arrangements, detailed transport guidance or accessibility information. Anyone planning to enter or attend should check the official Wigan 10k information before travelling.

The confirmed race-day details

Detail	Confirmed information
Event	HW Moon Toyota Wigan 10k
Date	Sunday 6 September 2026
Venue	Mesnes Park, Wigan
Programme	10k race and Family Mile
Audience	Runners, families and supporters
Charity presence	Stalls from Samaritans and SOBS

The two race formats give experienced runners and families different ways to participate. The charity stalls will also offer visitors an opportunity to learn about support available to people in crisis and adults affected by suicide loss.

More than 40 runners unite behind two charities

A fundraising group of more than 40 people will take part with the goal of raising over £1,000 for Samaritans and SOBS. The final amount will be divided equally between the two organisations.

Wigan Council’s public health team will be joined by staff and partners 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. Among them will be 27 runners representing the SWAN network.

The effort has been inspired by the Greater Manchester-wide Month of Hope, which runs from World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September to World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Its focus is on open conversations about mental health, hopeful messages and reminding people who are struggling that support is available.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Wigan Council’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said acts of kindness and generosity can help spread hope. He encouraged residents to support the two charities and those taking part in the race.

Lisa Sandiford, suicide prevention lead at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said her own experience of bereavement by suicide had shown her its lasting effect on families, friends and communities. She described the run as a tribute to people who have died and a show of solidarity with those left bereaved.

Wigan 10k brings hope to Mesnes Park on 6 September

Dr Adam Jolles, one of the SWAN runners, said the impact of suicide can extend across a person’s support network and urged people to look out for those struggling with their mental health.

Family Mile returns alongside the Wigan 10k

More than 3,500 runners participated in either the 10k or Family Mile at last year’s event, according to Wigan Council. That figure describes the previous race and is not a forecast of attendance for 6 September.

Now in its 14th year, the Wigan 10k has raised more than £500,000 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity Joining Jack. The event has also provided a platform for other local and national causes, with this year’s council-backed group placing suicide prevention and bereavement support at the centre of its fundraising.

Families and supporters visiting Mesnes Park will be able to see both SOBS and Samaritans represented through their event stalls while the races take place.

Where the fundraising and support will go

Wigan Council directs prospective donors to the group’s JustGiving page, with all money raised split evenly between SOBS and Samaritans.

SOBS is a peer-led organisation supporting adults affected by suicide loss. Its services include face-to-face and virtual groups, an online forum, email support and a national helpline on 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. Current race arrangements and participation information are available through the official Wigan 10k website named in the council notice.

Source: Wigan Council

Context & actions About this article

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The event date, venue, programme and fundraising details were checked against Wigan Council’s published notice.

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Matched Sunday 6 September 2026 and Mesnes Park to the council notice.
Confirmed that the programme includes the Wigan 10k and Family Mile.
Kept the start time, price, booking, transport and accessibility details marked as unprovi...
Confirmed that donations will be split evenly between SOBS and Samaritans.

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