Staff from HPP laced up their running shoes and took part in this year's AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on 31st May, raising over £570 and counting for Maggie's Oldham. The team tackled the event in support of the local cancer charity, which provides practical, emotional and psychological support to people living with cancer and their families across the Oldham community.
Dan Smashes Sub-45 Minute Goal
Dan Mounsey (Marketing & Business Development Director) took on the AJ Bell Great Manchester 10K to support a charity that has become increasingly important to HPP through previous fundraising initiatives and challenges.
Although he had previously completed the AJ Bell Half Marathon, this year's event marked his first organised 10K race. After dedicating time to training, Dan set himself the ambitious target of finishing in under 45 minutes.
Despite warm temperatures making conditions tougher than expected, he achieved his goal in impressive fashion, crossing the finish line in an official chip time of 44:53, averaging a pace of 7:13 per mile.
"The support from spectators around the course really helped keep me going during the final stages," said Dan.
Running first became part of Dan's life during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and he has continued to challenge himself ever since.
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Ellis Achieves Personal Target
Maintenance engineer Ellis Smith also represented HPP in the AJ Bell Great Manchester 10K, taking on the challenge in aid of Maggie's Oldham.
Participating in the event for the first time, Ellis achieved the target time he had set himself, recording an official finish time of 53:31 and an average pace of 8:36 per mile.
The heat and humidity proved to be some of the toughest aspects of the race, but Ellis thoroughly enjoyed the experience and said he would gladly take part again.
His running journey reignited following HPP's annual World Cancer Day 5K Challenge in February, which inspired him to push himself further and take on longer distances. Having originally started running simply as a way to stay active, he now sees it as an important part of his routine.
Looking ahead, Ellis is already considering taking on the Manchester Half Marathon in October.
Kenika Sets a Personal Best
For Marketing Manager Kenika Gumbs, this year's AJ Bell Great Manchester 10K was a particularly memorable achievement.
Taking part in the event for the first time, she recorded a personal best on Strava of 1:17:29 and completed the race in an official chip time of 1:19:11, averaging 12:44 per mile.
Kenika played a key role in encouraging participation across HPP, helping to bring staff together for the event after successfully organising the company's annual World Cancer Day 5K Challenge earlier this year.
When choosing a charity to support, she selected Maggie's because of the exceptional work the organisation does for people affected by cancer and their families.
"The difference Maggie's makes locally is remarkable," she said. "Supporting their work through fundraising and events such as the Great Manchester Run is a meaningful way to give back and help ensure those services remain available to those who need them most."
Ciaran's Inspirational Return to Running
Ciaran Chadwick's return to running began earlier this year during HPP's World Cancer Day 5K Challenge.
Having not run for a considerable period due to undergoing multiple surgeries, the challenge marked an important milestone in his journey back to fitness.
Inspired by the experience and determined to continue building on his progress, Ciaran joined Manchester-based running club MadeRunning shortly after completing the 5K challenge. The support and motivation provided by the club helped him regain confidence and encouraged him to take on new goals.
In an impressive achievement, Ciaran completed both the 10K and Half Marathon events during the Great Manchester Run weekend. And to add to this, he's since achieved his first 20 minute 5K distance - no mean feat!
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Fastest HPP Finisher & Running Newbie, Luke
Leading the way for HPP was Luke Pilkington (Doors Production), who produced an outstanding performance in the 10K, recording the team's fastest official chip time of 43:03 and averaging an impressive pace of 6:55 per mile.
Luke only took up running in April and it would seem he's a natural runner. He's looking forward to his next race, the Fleetwood Half Marathon in August, and already has his sights on the Great Manchester Run 2027!
Collectively, the HPP team not only challenged themselves physically but also raised vital funds for Maggie's Oldham, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to supporting important local causes.
Well done to all involved!