Sale Sharks Foundation Announces Rugby Club Run: An 8-Day, 90+ Mile Relay to Support Grassroots Rugby and raise Mental Health Awareness
The Sale Sharks Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the Rugby Club Run, an inspiring 8-day relay event covering over 90 miles across Greater Manchester. From September 15th to September 22nd, 2024, dedicated supporters and staff from the Sale Sharks Foundation will embark on a journey to raise vital funds and awareness for grassroots rugby development and mental health through the Foundation’s HEADSTART program.
A Journey Beyond the Miles
The Rugby Club Run is not just about the physical challenge—it’s a celebration of community, sport, and the power of connection. The event was inspired by the moving story of two Sale Sharks fans, David Blyth and Chris Randall, who used rugby and running to overcome personal challenges and improve their mental health. Their story of friendship and resilience has become the driving force behind this relay, highlighting the impact of sport on mental well-being.
David Blyth shared his journey:
“My name is David, I’m a 42-year-old father of four from Manchester. I have three children with autism and suffer from depression. My friend Chris introduced me to running and rugby to get me out of the house and improve my mental health. It has made a significant difference in my life, and I’ve even introduced my youngest son to rugby. We are now both proud Sharks season ticket holders.”
Chris Randall added:
“As a father of six, including two adopted children, I believe in the power of family, love, and giving back. Rugby has always been a passion of mine and sharing it with my kids is one of my greatest joys. Helping others, especially in the realm of mental health, is something I am deeply committed to.”
Connecting Communities Through Rugby
The Rugby Club Run will see participants carry the Sale Sharks Rugby Ball through eight rugby clubs that are part of the Foundation’s grassroots development program. The route starts at Salford Community Stadium and winds its way through the region, culminating back at the stadium just in time for the Sale Sharks’ first home game of the 2024/2025 Gallagher Premiership season against Harlequins on September 22nd.
Each day, a different leg of the relay will be completed by a team of runners, including five fans and five Foundation staff members, with support from local rugby club members. This unique format not only raises funds but also strengthens the bonds between the Sale Sharks Foundation and the rugby clubs it serves.
The Route and Participating Rugby Clubs
Our journey covers 8over 90 miles and starts from Salford Community Stadium and stops at 8 incredible rugby clubs along the way. Each day, a dedicated team of runners will take on a different leg of the relay, carrying the Foundation Sale Sharks Rugby Ball from one checkpoint to the next:
Day 1 (Sunday – September 15th) start 12:00: Salford Community Stadium → Aldwinians Rugby Club leg 2 start 15:00: Aldwinians Rugby Club → Manchester Rugby Club
Day 2 (Monday – September 16th) start 18:00: Manchester Rugby Club → Wilmslow Rugby Club
Day 3 (Tuesday – September 17th) start 18:00: Wilmslow Rugby Club → Macclesfield Rugby Club
Day 4 (Wednesday – September 18th) start 18:00: Macclesfield Rugby Club → Knutsford Rugby Club
Day 5 (Thursday – September 19th) start 18:00: Knutsford Rugby Club → Lymm Rugby Club
Day 6 (Friday – September 20th) start 18:00 : Lymm Rugby Club → Liverpool St Helens Rugby Club
Day 7 (Saturday – September 21st) start 14:00: Liverpool St Helens Rugby Club → Bolton Rugby Club
Day 8 (Sunday – September 22nd) start 11:00: Bolton Rugby Club → Salford Community Stadium
Each club will welcome our runners with open arms, and on the last day, we will arrive back at Salford Community Stadium just in time for our first home match of the 2024/2025 season!
Our ambition is to make the Sale Sharks Foundation Rugby Club Run an annual event and keep on adding more clubs onto the route. The overall end game is to reach all 100 clubs the Sale Sharks work with throughout the Northwest.
Supporting the Cause
The Sale Sharks Foundation is committed to nurturing young rugby talent in local communities. The funds raised through this event will support the Foundation’s grassroots rugby initiatives and the HEADSTART program, which offers free physical activity projects designed to promote positive mental health.
Here’s how your donation can make a difference:
- £10: Provides essential equipment for a young player starting their rugby journey.
- £25: Funds a coaching session for aspiring rugby stars at a local club.
- £50: Supports a rugby club’s development program for an entire week.
- £100: Sponsors a young athlete’s participation in a grassroots rugby tournament.
- £500 or more: Contributes significantly to the development of the next generation of rugby talent.
Half of the funds raised will be distributed among the participating rugby clubs, with the other half supporting the Sale Sharks Foundation’s ongoing programs.
Follow the Journey
The Rugby Club Run will be documented through daily updates, photos, and videos on the Sale Sharks Foundation’s social media channels. Fans are encouraged to follow along, share the story, and support the runners as they pass through local clubs. Use the hashtag #RugbyClubRun to join the conversation and show your support.
- Instagram: @SaleSharksFoundation
- X (formerly Twitter): @SaleSharksFDN
- Facebook: Sale Sharks Foundation
Join Us for the Big Finish
On September 22nd, the runners will return to Salford Community Stadium, where they will be recognized in front of thousands of fans. This special moment will mark the culmination of their journey and symbolize the unity of fans, clubs, and players in support of a brighter future for grassroots rugby and mental health.
Thank You for Your Support
We couldn’t achieve our goals without the incredible generosity of our supporters. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us build stronger communities, ensure a bright future for grassroots rugby, and provide support to those in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
For more information on the Rugby Club Run and how to donate, visit the Rugby Club Run’s Fundraising page https://givestar.io/gs/rugby-club-run
