A super six GoodGymers went out in the cold to run a lap or few as part of the MCR 24 hr run against homelessness. Aiming to raise over £100,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity, A Bed Every Night, we joined hundreds of other runners for the 5 km loops.

Our designated 7pm slot saw 444(!) people take part, running the streets of Central Manchester. Super effort all round to run as part of a large group and all for a great cause.

In all, 41 laps took place, with 4,848 cumulative laps by those attending covering 24,240 km, which is more than half way around the globe!

So far, over £60,000 raised including sponsor support, with time still to donate here

It was fab to meet Chris for the first time, alongside Julia post-honeymoon, Gloria fresh from the Frankfurt marathon, Jodie running for the first time in months, Sanjeev, and Ben.

Super task this evening for a magnificent seven GoodGymers in Withington!

🧱 We joined Ed from Withington Walls to give a couple of spaces a thorough clearing in preparation for some upcoming street art pieces.

Robert and Sanjeev start on a wall in the co-op car park, removing the weeds before slapping on a lot of masonry paint as a base layer, Sanjeev opting for the overalls for added protection.

Meanwhile, Jodie put her climbing skills to the test to cover up some street tags high up, and went along with Peter to cover a wall near the Red Lion. Julia filled in some spots near the opticians in Withington, while a team effort of Fanette, Ben, and Peter cleared a lot of brambles and shrubbery from a larger wall before covering it with masonry paint 🎨

We got a lot more covered than expected, covering two large walls plus some smaller, fill-in side quests too. Thankful for head torches and bike lights 🔦🕯 to provide some light, although may need to invest in some portable floodlights in future.

After applying the finishing touches, we cleared up and look forward to seeing what will become of the walls!

After late notice communication from the race organisers, 4 GoodGymers helped out at the start area for the 2026 MCR Half.

Welcome to Noor for coming along to your first GoodGym session!

With blue hi-vis, packed lunch and all important lanyard, we eventually congregated at the start area (4A) to direct runners to the start line and clear the way as wave after wave of runners approached.

With 16 waves, we were as vocal as possible to stop spectators from encroaching onto the route, while also keeping runners in different coloured waves informed when their wave was next up. Keeping the toilet queues compressed to keep the route clear was also required at times.

Towards the end, we began to help gather clothing and jumpers that runners had discarded before the start line, keeping Julia warm in the fresh October morning sunshine. After a final clearing of signage and a gazebo at the start line, we were released to drop off our hi-vis and make our way home.