Over 24 hours, our amazing fundraiser Alex and over 300 other supporters took part in ‘Running the Railways – On the Hour’. The team completed 120 individual 5ks from Freshfield and Hightown station – all in support of what we do here at Centre 56.
We’ve already raised over £21,900 – and counting!
This year’s challenge saw the team cover the distance of almost three back-to-back marathons through the day and night.
And while warm temperatures meant the challenge was adapted for safety – turning the run into a walk – Alex and the team’s determination never wavered.
Each hour, a different relay team stepped forward to carry the baton. It was amazing to welcome local businesses, community groups and supporters from across Liverpool and beyond to take part in the challenge.
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of supporters, the challenge has already raised at least £21,900 – with donations still coming in.
But the impact goes far beyond fundraising. Across the 24 hours:
- Over 300 people took part in at least one 5k
- 794 individual 5ks were completed – an average of 33 runners every hour
- Together, participants covered an incredible 3,970km (2,466 miles)
Ages of our participants aged from 3 to over 80 with people of all abilities taking part. Reflecting on the challenge, Alex said:
“These challenges are only a success because of the people and we show what we can do when we all come together as a community.
There are genuinely too many people to thank personally, I am truly grateful that you all continue to support these challenges, year after year, I’ve already hand countless messages of what’s next, even during the event!”
Running the Railways 3 wouldn’t have been possible without the support of partners, including Clan Contracting, the event’s headline sponsor, and Merseyrail, who helped bring the challenge to life across the network.
Local businesses also played a huge role – not only taking part in the relay, but providing vital support along the route, helping to keep runners fuelled, safe and motivated. Thank you.
This is the third challenge in the Running the Railways series, and altogether we’ve raised over £110,000.
And these funds matter now more than ever. For more than 50 years, Centre 56 has supported children aged 2–12 and their families who have experienced domestic abuse or crisis situations, offering specialist childcare, emotional support and a safe place to begin rebuilding their lives. Every mile covered during Running the Railways is part of something bigger: a child feeling safe, a family finding support, and a community standing together to say you’re not alone.
And a final thank you – to everyone who walked, donated, volunteered, cheered or supported in any way. It’s not too late to support us. Donations are still open, and every contribution makes a difference. Donate here