What is the Great Run Business Challenge?
The Great Run Business Challenge is a corporate running challenge and is designed for organisations of all shapes and sizes. Teams are encouraged to enter to boost workforce wellbeing, build team spirit and fundraise for local charities. All while enjoying a city-centre running event with thousands of supporters and a festival atmosphere. Minimum team size is four, and there’s no maximum number of members, so please bring as many of your team as you’d like!
Date: The AJ Bell Great Manchester run will take place on 31st May 2026.
What’s included
Here’s what every team can expect:
- Official race place and entry into the Business Challenge.
- Finisher’s t-shirt and medal for every runner. Great for team photos and a lasting memento!
- Access to exclusive discounts (e.g., from Endurance Zone).
- Trophy for the fastest team at each event
- 10% discount for teams of 15+ when booked in one transaction.
- Official individual and team results, plus the ability to claim back VAT if the entry is a business purchase.
- NEW (2026): secure your team at today’s price with a 20% deposit, locking in the entry rate while keeping flexibility to change numbers later.
The community & team-building heartbeat
The Business Challenge isn’t just a race, it’s a shared experience that brings colleagues together across departments, locations and roles. Participating in the events encourages a healthier outlook on staff wellbeing and work–life balance. It creates a natural team-building project by training, fundraising and celebrating together. Alongside, driving that feel good factor through making a positive impact in the local community by fundraising for charities.
Come and join us and be a part of the electric atmosphere! Making your way through the Manchester course together as a team and enjoying all the finish-line celebrations!
Over 5,000 runners from hundreds of companies take part in Business Challenge events each year and 98% of runners would recommend the events to a colleague or friend. Proof that the experience creates lasting engagement!
Testimonies & inspiration
“The Manchester 10k is always a fantastic day out for our City Football Group staff – a great way to bring our team together, celebrate the city, and enjoy some healthy competition. We’ve loved taking part in the Business Challenge and are proud to have won it three years in a row!”
Nick Power – City Football Group
“Creating a lasting positive impact in our community is very important to everyone at Kuits and the team really enjoys participating in the Great Manchester Run. Taking part in the business challenge enhances the sense of teamwork as we come together to support one of our in-house charities, Wood Steet Mission. This event also highlights the power of community, as we’re grateful for the generous donations and encouragement from our clients and colleagues, all uniting to make a meaningful difference.”
Steve Eccleston – Kuits
“The run was actually a huge success for us as a business. Everyone got on board and supported in some capacity, whether it be running for a PB, just doing it for fun/getting active, supporting fundraising efforts including reaching out the suppliers for shirt sponsors etc. We had huge support from Bethell and our wider supply chain on the day cheering us on from the sidelines. We raised just short of 90k which is an amazing amount for some small local charities.”
Daniel Crocker – Bethell
Award Winner at the 2025 I Love Manchester Awards!
After this year’s biggest Great Manchester Run in a decade, with 35,000 participants, hundreds of thousands lining the streets, and millions watching at home, the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run was named ‘Most-Loved Event’ at the I Love Manchester Awards!
Why enter a team?
- Wellbeing: a structured, company-backed way to support physical and mental health.
- Team building: shared goals, shared training and a shared celebration! All shared experiences that carries back into the workplace.
- Community: fundraising and visibility for local causes you care about.
- Brand & culture: high-energy, inclusive events that showcase your company values to staff and clients.
- FUN: Because sometimes coming together and having a bit of fun and laughter is the best medicine, in and out of the office.
How to enter a team: A simple 5-step guide
- Visit greatrun.org/business to start your business booking.
- Choose your event (e.g., Great North 5K or 10K) and select Business Challenge.
- Pay in full or use the 20% deposit option to lock the entry rate and give your team time to confirm numbers.
- Your nominated team coordinator receives access to the online management dashboard to distribute entries and swap runners up until six weeks before the event.
- Enjoy the lead-up: train together, set a fundraising goal (optional), and plan your team kit and finish-line celebration.
Need something bespoke? If you’re enquiring about 50+ places, the Great Run team can discuss a tailored package.
Bring your people together for a day that’s equal parts fitness, fundraising and fun in Manchester. Whether you’re chasing the trophy or simply signing up to support colleagues and your community, the Business Challenge is the perfect way to invest in wellbeing, build team spirit and create memories. Let’s make the next meeting about high-fives at the finish line!
