If you'd describe yourself as 'not a runner' and think the idea of running 10km is insane, then we have an event for you!

Sunday 1st October will see thousands of people take to the streets of Leicester for the Run Leicester 10k and Half Marathon. This year we are inviting you to join them and help raise money for Open Hands.

We'd love to have a diverse team, with people of all ages and running abilities taking part. This is a great opportunity to get fit, make friends, and be part of something really special in our city - all while making a difference in the lives of people in need in Leicester!

By signing up to support Open Hands, we can offer you a discounted space (suggested donations: £20 for 10k/£30 for half marathon) and a free t-shirt when you pledge to raise £100 in sponsorship for our work. Additional donations towards our administration fees are also welcome to make your sponsorship go further.

Ready to jump in? Follow the steps below to begin your journey:

1. Sign Up!

Click here to register for your space today, and save 1st October in your diary!

2. Make Your Donation

Click 'Give Now' on this page to make your donation for your space. Minimum suggested donations are £20 for the 10k and £30 for the Half Marathon. Visit www.openhandsleicester.org.uk/run-leicester (registration step 2) for alternative donation methods.

After your registration form and donation have been received, we'll be in touch to confirm your space registration. Make sure to add admin@openhandsleicester.org.uk to your email contact list so that you don't miss our updates and resources.

3. Set up your sponsorship profile

There are many different ways to collect sponsorship, setting up an online fundraising page is an easy way to share about your challenge, and a simple way for your world to donate to your cause!

Click 'Start Fundraising' to set up your personal fundraising page, already optimised with key information about this challenge and our work.

4. Share your challenge

Share your fundraising challenge with your friends and family! When you register, we'll send you some social media templates to help you spread the word. Remember to tag us @OpenHandsLeics so that we can share your efforts and cheer you on!

5. Begin your training

Whether you are a seasoned runner, or lacing up your running shoes for the first time, it's time to begin training for your run! Visit the links to the training plans below from the University of Bristol and BUPA to get started:

Couch to 12k (beginners - 12 weeks) | 10k  (beginners - 8 weeks) | 10k (intermediate - 8 weeks)

10 k (advanced - 12 weeks) | Half Marathon training plans

6. Share your progress

Sharing your progress is easy with apps like Strava, which allow you to track your progress and upload your runs to your fundraising page and social media so that your friends and family can cheer you on.

We're on hand to answer any questions you have, just get in touch via email (admin@openhandsleicester.org.uk) - we can't wait to cheer you over the finish line as we celebrate all that we have achieved together!