The Run for Jo takes place annually to remember Jo Cox, as Batley and Spen mark the sixth anniversary of her death and is organised by More in Common Batley & Spen as their headline event of the Jo Cox Foundations Great Get Together Campaign, which takes place around her birthday.

During the pandemic the event was unable to go ahead in person, but was able to bring hundreds of people together for a virtual Run for Jo.  People from all over the country and indeed the World, wore their Run for Jo t-shirts and were asked to send in selfies with the quotes “I run for Jo because…” as well as pledging their miles. 12,000 miles were covered by 800 people, across 250 towns and cities across 35 countries.

This year the Batley & Spen More in Common are delighted to announce that the Run for Jo will take place back at its home, Oakwell Hall and Country Park in Birstall, West Yorkshire. There will be a the 6.5km cross country challenge, 2.5km fun run and new for 2022 – a virtual 10km run for those who can’t join us on the day. All the distances can be run or walked and are child and dog friendly and every entrant will receive a medal and t-shirt, there will be music and food available on the day to make the event fun for all!

The GMB Union has been unveiled as headline sponsor for the 2022 Run for Jo, in memory of the Batley and Spen MP who was murdered in her constituency in 2016.Cath Pinder, GMB Union regional president for the Yorkshire and North Derbyshire region, said: “We are so proud to sponsor the Jo Cox charity run. It’s such a fitting way to remember Jo and everything she stood for.

“And like Jo, we believe that by communities coming together in unity they can help create a better world.

“It’s fantastic that the run is back on at Oakwell and we hope that runners and spectators alike flock to Oakwell Hall and make it one of the best community events that Birstall has ever seen.

Kim Leadbeater, sister of Jo Cox and MP for Batley and Spen, said: “I am delighted that the Run for Jo will take place in real life at Oakwell Hall and Country Park once again. “This year it will be fantastic to see people back at Oakwell taking part in person, as well as being able to join in wherever they are in a new virtual 10k for those who live further afield

“My family is incredibly grateful to everyone for joining in with the Run for Jo to remember her and show the power of physical activity to bring people together.”

https://racebest.com/races/FunRunForJo2022  2.5km Fun Run

https://racebest.com/races/RunForJo2022 6.5km challenge

https://racebest.com/races/RunForJoVirtual10k Virtual 10km