On 16th November, we kicked off a special event with a focus on fair play. This two-part event was held at Media City and the brand-new Made Running Hub, bringing together runners, community members and supporters for an inspiring mix of conversation and connection.
If you couldn’t make it, here are all the highlights you missed and why the event meant so much to us at SUDU and the future of Manchester running communities.
A Show of Community Spirit
The day started at 9 am with the Saturday Social Run Club, bringing together over 150 runners at Media City. And despite the typical Mancunian weather—grey skies and the occasional drizzle—we were amazed by the turnout!
This Run Club offers a warm (figuratively speaking) and welcoming space for anyone to join in, whether they’re a newbie or a seasoned runner. It's one of the many ways that Made Running makes fitness accessible to all and breaks down barriers to sport.
But this social run isn’t just about breaking a sweat, it’s about fostering a sense of shared purpose as well, as the group moved through the streets of Salford, proving that not even Mother Nature stands a chance when a community comes together!
A Panel Discussion on Overcoming Adversity
After the run, everyone made their way to the Made Running Hub, where the focus shifted from physical fitness to mental strength.
The Resilience Rising Panel Talk brought together a diverse group of speakers who embodied resilience and fair play in their own ways to share their personal journeys in overcoming adversity and building strong connections:
- Hermen Dange, founder of Made Running.
- Aaron Burns, a former Manchester United footballer; now a motivational speaker and founder of a book club aimed at inspiring others.
- Aneila Afsa, a Team GB Taekwondo athlete and mother of two, who works to make fitness and training more accessible to the Muslim community.
- Sheneeza Mae R., a Made Running member, who’s been inspired by the support she found at Made Running to pursue her dream of becoming a psychologist and counsellor.
Each panellist spoke on their personal challenges and how they’ve managed to turn adversity into opportunity, offering invaluable insights into how we can all build our own resilience no matter where we come from.
Project Fair Play at the Heart of It All
The panel discussion was also part of the launch celebration of Project Fair Play, a partnership between SUDU and Sported to make running more inclusive and accessible from a grassroot level.
We officially announced Made Running as the first recipient of our Deep Impact Grant worth £5,000, which will go towards supporting their key initiatives, such as:
- Hub Operating Costs: To ensure the Hub remains accessible and welcoming for all Made Running members.
- New Gym Equipment: To enhance workout options and ensure the equipment is safe and well-maintained.
- Community Events: To foster community interaction and engagement, creating a friendly space where people can connect, stay active and support one another.
- Weekly Social Runs: To cover essentials like safety supplies, snacks and water, so everyone feels prepared and welcomed at each session.
- National Expansion: To expand the Made Running community to new cities, including London, Leeds and Birmingham.
The Deep Impact Grant that Made Running received is a massive stride forward in turning their vision into a reality, ultimately giving even more people the opportunity to experience the benefits of an inclusive and supportive running community.
Build Stronger Communities Together
It’s been an honour to build these relationships with inspiring groups and leaders in our city of Manchester—and beyond.
We have seven more Deep Impact Grants available to help make a positive change within your community. So, if you’re part of a local running group that shares our passion for inclusivity and fair play, visit the official Project Fair Play page to find out how you can apply.
Together, let’s make sports fairer for all.