The Trafford Active Fund, run by Manchester Marathon organisers Human Race, is announcing £42,000 in awards are to be made available from today. This amount is a significant record for the initiative, with the funds brought forward due to the urgent need to support community focused organisations  impacted by the pandemic. Three organisations will each be gifted £14,000 to support the work they are doing in Greater Manchester with a focus in Trafford with applications open immediately.

A small committee including, Andrew Western (Leader of Trafford Council), Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester), Marnie Millard (Chair of UA92), Nigel Murray (COO of Booths) and Nick Rusling (CEO of Human Race) will be looking at the applications and issuing the funds to three organisations who, according to the committee, are implementing the most valuable projects to encourage exercise, activity, sport and movement in the Trafford and Greater Manchester community. Previously the Trafford Active Fund has awarded sums to individuals in the local area to allow them to pursue their sporting dreams that might otherwise not have been possible, including buying specialist equipment and covering travel costs. The funds announced today are hoping to benefit a large number of local people, via the invaluable work of charities, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sectors during this challenging period.

Every runner who signs up to either the Manchester Marathon or Manchester Half contributes to the Trafford Active Fund, with Human Race giving £1 of each entry fee directly to the scheme. Both events have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, meaning more money than ever is available to support sporting schemes in Greater Manchester. After an enforced hiatus in 2020, the Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 10^th October with a record 30,000 set to take part, making it the fourth largest event of its nature in Europe.

Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race, said:

“We know that many local organisations have struggled during the pandemic, with many suffering a huge drop in donations and funding. This latest initiative from the Trafford Active Fund will ensure some of the fantastic work being done in Greater Manchester can continue at this tough time for us all. Thank you to all our runners, many of whom have decided to personally donate more, as it’s down to them that we can award this record amount in early 2021.”

Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council said:

“We are very conscious of the impact the pandemic has had on organised sport and events – and how tough it has been for Trafford residents unable to take part in their normal physical activities. At the same time, keeping active has never been more important for mental and physical health, so we’re delighted to see this funding on offer for local charities to enable them to encourage and support physical activity in the borough.”

Those who wish to apply can do so through the official Manchester Marathon website until Monday 15^th February 2021.

Full details of eligibility and the online form to apply are available on our dedicated page.