Join the Purplewave 2026 — Challenge Accepted
19 Feb 2026
Take on a challenge to make a difference on Sunday 31 May
Now in its 10th year, the Purplewave brings our community together for causes that matter, and this year, it returns with even more purpose. Join students, colleagues, and even President Duncan Ivison, to walk, jog or run the Great Manchester Run 10k on 31 May, and take on a challenge that creates real impact as part of our Challenge Accepted campaign.
Whether you’re lacing up for your first 10K, chasing a personal best, or simply stepping out to be part of something bigger, the Purplewave is your moment to get involved.
Colleagues and students can access discounted tickets for just £25 — or take on the challenge for free with a fundraising place.
You can also warm up for the 10k with our Spring Dash on Wednesday 4 March 2026. Colleagues are invited to sign-up and walk, jog or run either 2.5k or 5k around Platt Fields Park during their lunch break – perfect prep for the full challenge.
Free fundraising places
Ready to take on the Purplewave for free? As part of Challenge Accepted - our major global fundraising and volunteering campaign - colleagues can secure a free place by raising £100 for a cause they care about at Manchester. And for the first time, you can choose your own challenge.
Whether you want to back our new Student Basic Needs Centre, support scholarships for sports rising stars, fundraise for rare disease research, help the next generation of student entrepreneurs, or support enriching school visits to Jodrell Bank or Manchester Museum - this is your chance to make a difference.
You can even support our pioneering brain cancer research, helping Manchester scientists accelerate breakthroughs for families facing this devastating disease.
If you’d like to fundraise – please do not purchase a ticket. Instead:
secure your free fundraising place here
and raise £100 minimum by Thursday 23 April 2026.