Reinforcing the city region’s reputation for innovation and collaboration, Greater Manchester sees the launch of a new world first in mass-participation events to tackle workplace stress, burnout and loneliness.
The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series comprises two flagship events designed to improve mental, physical, and social wellbeing inviting organisations of all sizes to participate:
- Greater Manchester Wellbeing Run & Walk – 21 May 2026, Heaton Park, 5.5K run and 2K walk.
- Greater Manchester Meditation – 22 October 2026. A virtual guided meditation, using science to demonstrate how three minutes of calm can help improve focus and attention.
The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series is open to organisations of all sizes across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs, inviting employees to take part together in events that are inclusive, fun and impactful. This, in turn, is designed to foster healthier teams, create stronger organisations and build a more resilient city region.
The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series aligns seamlessly with Greater Manchester’s community-led Live Well strategy, which seeks to shift the focus from crisis to prevention and create the conditions for people to thrive, whatever their age and wherever they live.
The event is the brainchild of Nick Rusling, former owner of the Manchester Marathon, former CEO of IMG and ASO (owners of the Tour de France) and All Here (science and tech led meditation organisation).
Nick Rusling, Founder of the Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series, said: “Greater Manchester was selected for this UK first series, because the region leads when it comes to genuine collaboration and setting global standards for workplace wellbeing. Having been involved in mass-participation events for decades, I’ve seen the incredible energy they create. We face a systemic challenge with workplace burnout that requires a more holistic solution. We’re not just launching another run; we’re creating an integrated system for corporate wellbeing. By combining the accessible, communal joy of running and walking with the performance-enhancing benefits of meditation and mindfulness, we can equip Manchester’s workforce with the tools to not just cope, but to thrive.”
The event has also garnered the support of Greater Manchester’s civic leaders.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series is a flagship demonstration that we care about our workforce and our communities. It’s about prevention, not just cure, creating a culture where people look after their mental and physical health together. Wellbeing shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be something everyone can take part in. The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series gives every organisation, large or small, the chance to make movement and mindfulness part of everyday life. It’s a great example of our city-region’s inclusive approach to health and work.”
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added: “This is a really exciting programme that shows the power of putting wellbeing front and centre. It’s a brilliant opportunity to bring our workforce together, to feel proud of the organisations we work for and of our city, while embracing wellbeing in a simple and inclusive way. At its heart, this aligns with Manchester’s strategy to be greener, fairer and more inclusive, and to support initiatives that drive real change in people’s behaviour. Together, we’re promoting positive change for all Mancunians.”
The Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series opens for registrations on 13 November.
Forever Manchester has been chosen as the GM Wellbeing Series’ official charity, helping develop more connected communities across the region.
For more information and to register your participation, click here. www.gmwellbeingseries.com
