The big day is fast approaching!
On Friday 28th February our Fundraising Officer, Alex Rigby, will begin his incredible 107-mile challenge for Centre 56.
Here’s everything you need to know and don’t forget to donate – https://bit.ly/Alex-Rail-Run
What are the challenge route and estimated timings?
Beginning in Chester at 3pm, he will run to all stations on the City Region’s rail network including Ellesmere Port, West Kirby, New Brighton, Headbolt Lane, Ormskirk, and Southport before finishing at Hunts Cross.
The full challenge route and expected arrival times are noted below. Please note these are estimated times and therefore may be subject to change (no one has ever attempted this before!).
| Estimated Time | Station |
| 15:00 | Chester |
| 15:15 | Bache |
| 16:00 | Capenhurst |
| 16:30 | Ellesmere Port |
| 16:45 | Overpool |
| 17:00 | Little Sutton |
| 17:25 | Hooton |
| 17:45 | Eastham Rake |
| 18:05 | Bromborough |
| 18:20 | Bromborough Rake |
| 18:45 | Spital |
| 19:00 | Port Sunlight |
| 19:15 | Bebington |
| 19:30 | Rock Ferry |
| 19:40 | Green Lane |
| 19:55 | Birkenhead Central |
| 20:05 | Conway Park |
| 20:15 | Birkenhead Park |
| 20:30 | Birkenhead North |
| 20:50 | Bidston |
| 21:20 | Leasowe |
| 21:35 | Moreton |
| 22:05 | Meols |
| 22:15 | Manor Road |
| 22:25 | Hoylake |
| 22:35 | West Kirkby |
| 00:05 | Wallasey Village |
| 00:10 | Wallasey Grove Road |
| 00:25 | New Brighton |
| 01:00 | Hamilton Square |
| 01:20 | James Street |
| 01:25 | Moorfields |
| 01:45 | Sandhills |
| 02:00 | Bank Hall |
| 02:25 | Walton |
| 02:30 | Rice Lane |
| 02:40 | Orrel Park |
| 03:10 | Fazakerley |
| 03:25 | Aintree |
| 03:35 | Old Roan |
| 04:10 | Kirkby |
| 04:25 | Headbolt Lane |
| 05:00 | Maghull |
| 05:20 | Maghull North |
| 06:00 | Town Green |
| 06:15 | Aughton |
| 06:35 | Ormskirk |
| 08:35 | Southport |
| 08:55 | Birkdale |
| 09:10 | Hillside |
| 09:40 | Ainsdale |
| 10:30 | Freshfield |
| 10:45 | Formby |
| 11:30 | Hightown |
| 12:10 | Hall Road |
| 12:30 | Blundellsands And Crosby |
| 13:00 | Waterloo |
| 13:25 | Seaforth And Litherland |
| 13:50 | Bootle New Strand |
| 14:10 | Bootle Oriel Road |
| 14:30 | Kirkdale |
| 15:15 | Lime Street |
| 15:25 | Liverpool Central |
| 16:00 | Brunswick |
| 16:30 | St. Michaels |
| 17:00 | Aigburth |
| 17:15 | Cressington |
| 17:30 | South Park Way |
| 18:10 | Hunts Cross |
How can I check where the runners are up to?
A live tracker will be available on our social media on the day so you can check on how the team are progressing. We’ll also post updates on our Facebook and Instagram so keep an eye on these!
What are the best places to cheer Alex and the team on?
You’re welcome to join us at any station on the route, but there is some extra activity along the route you might want to join us for!
Starting line (Chester station) – See Alex off from Chester!
Liverpool Central – Say hi to Sing Me Merseyside who will be performing, or get your picture taken with the FA Cup!
Centre 56 – This year’s route passes by our nursery, which is of course a great place to come and cheer the team on from. It’s a short run from Kirkdale Station so you can use the estimated time for Kirkdale if you want to join us here.
Finish line (Hunts Cross Station) – Share an incredible moment with us! We’ll be filling up the Waiting Room Pub ready for Alex to cross the finish line. Refreshments will be provided thanks to Merseyrail!
Will Alex be stopping for pictures?
Alex will only pause briefly at each station as with a challenge like this its best to keep moving! Please don’t be disappointed if he can’t stop for a picture or chat along the way.
Can I come to the finish line?
Absolutely! We’ll see you there in the Waiting Room Pub at Hunts Cross around 6pm.
How can I donate?
You can donate to Alex’s fundraising page here, https://bit.ly/Alex-Rail-Run.
We’ll also have plenty of buckets along the way, and volunteers will be collecting at Liverpool Central Station throughout the day.
How else can I support Centre 56?
Your donations help us ensure that local families have enough food to eat, money on the metre to keep them warm and the support they need to navigate tough times.
By becoming a monthly donor, you can help us work strategically to provide trauma-informed support and care, creating futures that are free from abuse. Set up a monthly donation on our enthuse page (link).
You can also donate food, essentials and clothing to our Rainbow Room – a judgement free space for our families to dip into as and when they need to. We accept donations of:
- Tea, coffee and biscuits
- Tinned goods e.g. fruit, veggies, soups, beans, meats etc.
- Rice and pasta
- Toiletries and period products
- Nappies and baby products
- Laundry detergent and fabric softeners
- Children’s clothing (for ages 2 – 12)
Please contact us via hello@centre56.org.uk to arrange a drop off.
How is Alex being supported throughout?
Loads of work has been happening behind the scenes to ensure this challenge is completed safely!
On the day, Alex will be supported by friends and colleagues who will be driving alongside him in a Welfare Van throughout (provided by our friends at M&Y Maintenance and Construction). This van will be stocked with supplies and equipment for Alex and the relay team.
His running coach, an experienced ultra-marathon runner, will be with him every step of the way monitoring his physical and mental health. Medical checks have been completed and passed, and a full risk assessment has been completed for all parts of the route. There are volunteer marshals stationed throughout as needed and first aiders spanning the full route.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help us make this as safe as possible!
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to donate – https://bit.ly/Alex-Rail-Run
