Mayor of Preston ready to race in SPAR City of Preston 10K

The SPAR City of Preston 10k is ready to welcome runners to the start line in September, and this year Preston’s Mayor will be a part of the roster.

Organised by health and wellbeing charity The Running Bee Foundation, the SPAR City of Preston 10k takes runners on a buzzing journey through the city, soaking up the energetic atmosphere.

One of the youngest ever to hold the role, Mayor of Preston Neil Darby is excited to take his place on the startline this year.

Having previously ran the Manchester Marathon and regaining a love for running in recent years, Neil decided that the Preston 10k would be the perfect event to tackle in 2022.

The young councillor says he feels inspired to maintain an active lifestyle due to the physical and mental benefits that he has experienced first-hand. During the pandemic, Neil, like many, relied heavily on running and exercise to get him through the tough times.

Neill Darby and Race Director Graham Jackson from The Running Bee Foundation

Now, he feels incredibly proud to be taking part in a race at the heart of his constituency and home.

Neill said: “The fact that it’s got Preston in the title right there, City of Preston 10k, really means a lot to people and it’s that feeling of family that can be found throughout Preston.

“I’ve lived here for basically my whole adult life, I grew up elsewhere but one of the reasons I ended up staying in Preston is just how friendly the people are.

“There’s a real sense of pride in the city. The coat of arms for Preston says PP, it’s Latin meaning ‘Prince of Peace’, but often it is seen as ‘Proud Preston’.”

Neil has also relished in the chance to raise money for his mayoral charities, The Intact Centre and Lancashire Teaching Hospital, both of which carry out fantastic work for locals.

Making a huge difference to the lives of those in hospitals, the Lancashire Teaching Hospital have dedicated invaluable time to providing resources for both patients and staff.

The Intact Centre help locals with employment, and poverty issues and ultimately provide a kind welcome to those who may need it.

Working with these charities to boost their profile as well as raising funds through the SPAR City of Preston 10k, Neil says it is incredibly important for people to do whatever they can for organisations that rely on donations and volunteers.

Twinned with the values of The Running Bee Foundation, Neil deems charity work imperative and believes that, ‘raising awareness by running races is so important’.

Steve Kenny, lead of the Running Bee Foundation, said: ‘’We are incredibly proud to welcome Mayor of Preston Neil Darby to the SPAR City of Preston 10k start line. To have his support in the run-up to and on the day is an honour and we look forward to seeing him alongside all our other runners on 25^th September.’’

As the second youngest mayor in Preston’s history, Neil champions the younger generation and is campaigning to encourage them to get involved within the community. He believes that if young people begin making positive actions within their areas, towns and cities will reap the benefits and create a virtuous circle.

For now, he is looking forward to lining up at the start and taking on the SPAR City of Preston 10k.

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