Oldham schools raise money for foodbank at Great Manchester Run

Staff from the trust, which runs Oldham Sixth Form College, The Hathershaw College, Werneth Primary School and Broadfield Primary School, joined forces to complete the 10 km course in support of Oldham Foodbank.

More than 80 staff members, along with their family and friends, were involved in choosing to support the foodbank.

The Great  Manchester Run celebrated its 20th event this year.

The annual event started in 2003 but was missed a year in 2020, due to the Covid pandemic.

Jayne Clarke, executive principal of the Pinnacle Learning Trust said: “It was wonderful to be part of our brilliant team who took part in this amazing event. 

“Being part of the Great Manchester Run is always really positive for our wellbeing and even more so when you know it’s making a difference for a brilliant local charity which supports so many members of our community. 

“Completing this run as a staff team has become a tradition for us now and I’m so proud of everyone involved. 

“I’d also like to say a huge thanks to everyone who has donated, which is obviously the reason for our involvement.”

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So far, more than £3,500 has been raised for Oldham Foodbank. Those wishing to donate can do so via the Donorbox page.

Runners on Deansgate wearing Pinnacle tops (Image: Pinnacle Learning Trust)

An Oldham foodbank spokesperson said: “Thank you so much to the Pinnacle Learning Trust for taking part in the Manchester 10k to raise money for us at Oldham Foodbank.

“This amazing achievement will help the foodbank to continue supporting people experiencing a crisis in Oldham, providing them with seven days’ worth of food, along with other essentials, such as toiletries and cleaning products.

“We rely on people in the community donating to us - huge donations such as this one will help us to support around 150 people for a week! Well done to all who took part, we appreciate this so much!”

This year’s Great Manchester Run saw Sir Mo Farah run his last race in Manchester, ahead of his retirement in September – the athlete finished in eighth place,. Italy’s Eyob Faniel won the men’s top spot at 28 minutes and 27 seconds, with Brit Mark Scott second at 28 minutes and 31 seconds, and Australian Stewart McSweyn third at 28 minutes 35 seconds.

In the women’s race, Kenyan Hellen Obiri was first over the line for the second year in a row, with a time of 31 minutes and 14 seconds. Peres Jepchirchir finished second at 31 minutes 59 seconds, and Brit Calli Thackery was third at 32 minutes 51 seconds.

The fastest time in the competition was Sean Frame, who won the men’s elite wheelchair race in just 21 minutes and 52 seconds. Jade Hall was the first woman over the line, at 26 minutes and 27 seconds.