• I am a wheelchair entrant can I enter a Great Run event? 
  • Unless stated otherwise on the event webpage, all Great Run events are suitable for wheelchair users. There will be a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you will be participating in a self-propelled racing wheelchair, or if you will be participating in a standard wheelchair and will be assisted (pushed). 
• I am taking part in an assisted wheelchair, what do I do? 
  • For those who are an assisted (pushed) wheelchair entrant, both the wheelchair entrant and the assistant (pusher) will need to be registered to take part in the event. 
  • We can offer the assistant (pusher) a complimentary entry. Once the wheelchair entrant has secured their own entry, please contact us through our Support System to provide the name and contact email address for the guide so we can email them a complimentary online entry form to complete. 
  • Once entered the event, both will be sent a race number/timing chip prior to the event weekend and will be asked to line up towards the rear of the field in their allocated zone colour. 
• I am taking part in a self-propelled wheelchair, what do I do? 
  • There will be a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you are a self-propelled wheelchair entrant or an assisted (pushed) wheelchair entrant. 
  • The events are staged under IPC rules and self-propelled wheelchair athletes must confirm to BWRA minimal classification race system. It is strongly recommended that only experienced wheelchair users attempt the course unaided. 

• I AM NEW TO RUNNING WHAT SUPPORT CAN I GET FROM THE UNIVERSITY?
  • The university has a number of running groups offered by UMRUN and Run Wild Find out about our running groups here
  • These include sessions for beginners – It may be useful to contact the session leader to confirm your attendance and chat through your needs. If you are unsure you can get advice by emailing   umrun@manchester.ac.uk
• I WOULD LIKE TO WALK THE EVENT – IS THAT POSSIBLE?
  • Yes that is fine – run, walk , jog or wheel it is up to you
  • we are looking for leaders to start up the lunch time Strollers group to get walkers meeting up and training together – if you are interested in this please email purplewave@manchester,.ac.uk  with the subject title : ‘Joining the Strollers’ 
• I HAVE A DISABILITY WHICH LIMITS MY MOBILITY – CAN I STILL TAKE PART?
  • We are currently working with the Staff disability support network to see how we can support those who may want to ‘wheel’ around  the event
  • If you have experience or taking part of events in this way or if you would like to be part of a group of ‘wheelers’ in the Purplewave please email us at  purplewave@manchester.ac.uk  with the subject title  ‘PW Wheelers’  
• ARE THERE ANY OTHER PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY WHICH MAY HELP ME TO GET FIT FOR THE EVENT?
  • The UoM sport office offers a whole range of different programmes and activities which can help you prepare your mind and body for the event. Information about free activities in Sporticipate and paid activities from Active Manchester, such as pilates, yoga, cardio fitness, can be found on the UoM Sport Website. 

• WHERE WILL WE MEET ON THE DAY ?
  • The purplewave has its own meet point at the Pendulum Hotel on Sackville Street. Here you are able to meet other runners, leave your belongings, use the facilities, have your face painted, get a pre or post race massage, enjoy food and drink from the hotel bar. 
  • We have access to the hotel from 8am in the morning until 4pm in the afternoon. Please make sure all your belongings are collected by 4pm at the latest.
• DO I HAVE TO WEAR THE PURPLE T-SHIRT WHICH IS PROVIDED?
  • The purple T-shirt is included in the price you pay and is an integral part of creating the Purplewave impact. Therefore, anyone accessing our discounted or free places must wear the t-shirt during the holding time and start of the run.
• WHAT WILL BE OUR START TIME ON THE DAY?
  • All UoM runner will stat the race together on the day. For the 10km we will make our way from the Pendulum Hotel to the start line holding space approximately 1 hour before our allocated wave start time. 
  • Half marathon runners will need to make their own way to the designated start area at the time specified in their race pack. 
  • We will not have our wave start time confirmed until April – we will advertise this in all of our newsletters
  • If runners decide to race at their own pace after crossing the start line with the Purplewave this is fine.
• HOW CAN I HELP OUT WITH THE ORGANISATION OF THE TEAM?
  • If you would like to be involved in any way, as well as or instead of, participating in the event, we have a number of volunteer opportunities available which can be viewed and joined via the Sports Volunteer Scheme.
  • Roles range from Run Leaders to Cheerpoint managers, event administrator to venue assistants. If you think you could help but are not sure which role advertised on the scheme would be best for you please email us   purplewave@manchester.ac.uk
• WHERE CAN MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY SEE ME RUNNING?
  • UoM has a prime location cheerpoint which is here 
  • This position allows supporters to cheer our runners at 2.5km and on the way home at 7km 
  • The point is easily accessible from Cornbrook tram stop and from Manchester city centre you can catch any tram in the direction of Eccles, Altrincham, East Didsbury – and alight at Cornbrook. A short walk up to the main road and turn right then supporters should see all the Purple. 

• WHAT IS THE NOMINATED UNIVERSITY CHARITY THIS YEAR AND CAN I GET A FREE PLACE IF I RAISE MONEY FOR THIS?
  • This year, if you choose to register as a Purple Wave fundraiser, supporting the next 200 years of Manchester’s life-changing research, your ticket will be completely free to you! We’ll provide you with all the support and guidance you need to set up your JustGiving fundraising page.  
  • You’ll join the incredible Team 200 – this year’s bicentenary Purple Wave fundraising team – in helping Manchester’s brightest minds tackle some of society’s biggest challenges. From cancer to stroke, climate change to global inequality – your Purple Wave challenge will help Manchester experts find the answers faster. 
  • We’ll be waiving your Purple Wave registration fee so long you reach a modest minimum fundraising target of £60 for the 10k and £100 for the half marathon. There’s no minimum fundraising target for the 2.5k or 5k. To book your free place please visit: 10Km   OR Half Marathon
  • As an added bonus for every £200 you raise you will be put into a prize draw to win a pair of INNOVATE Graphene enhances running shoes. 
  • Full details on fundraising 
• WHICH OTHER CAUSES CAN I RAISE MONEY FOR AND HOW SHOULD I RECORD THIS
  • You can raise money for your own choice of charity but we ask that you join your own JG page to our with Just Giving Page LINK required  so that we can keep track of how much money is raised across the board.  
  • If you choose to raise money for another cause then you will need to pay for your discounted University entry fee. 

We will be challenging all runners to try and raise money to support our cause.