CENTRA RUN TOGETHER RETURNS FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Flagship fundraising event set to be biggest yet as retailer targets £200,000 milestone for Action Cancer
Leading convenience retailer Centra is calling on runners and walkers across Northern Ireland to take part in its flagship fundraising event, Centra Run Together, which returns to Ormeau Park, Belfast on Sunday 18th October 2026.
This year marks a significant milestone as the event celebrates 10 years of running, community spirit and fundraising, with organisers planning the biggest event to date. A total of 2,000 places are available across both 5K and 10K routes – an increase of 400 on previous years – with all registration fees donated to Centra’s long-term charity partner, Action Cancer.
Delivered as part of Centra’s Live Well initiative, Run Together has gone from strength to strength since it first launched in 2016, raising an impressive £195,000 to date. In its anniversary year, Centra is aiming to surpass £200,000, helping to fund the lifesaving work of Action Cancer across Northern Ireland.
Funds raised through the event help keep Action Cancer’s Big Bus mobile detection unit on the road, delivering vital services directly into local communities. Every £120 raised can pay for a free breast screening for women outside NHS screening age (40–49 and 70+), while £50 covers the cost of a health check for men and women aged 18+.
Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part, whether running, jogging or walking the scenic Ormeau Park routes. Every entry includes a bespoke 10th anniversary medal, event T-shirt, goodie bag, free lunch and a range of family-friendly entertainment on the day.
Commenting on the launch, Jennifer Morton, Centra Brand Manager, said:
“This year’s Centra Run Together is particularly special as we celebrate 10 years of an event that has become such an important part of our community calendar. Each year, we see people of all ages and abilities come together to support Action Cancer, and that sense of community is what makes it so unique.
“With 2,000 places available this year, we’re looking forward to making our 10th anniversary event the biggest and best yet. Whether you’re taking on the 10K challenge or enjoying a 5K walk with family and friends, every step taken helps raise vital funds for an incredible cause.”
Centra has supported Action Cancer since 2001, and the partnership continues to make a meaningful difference across Northern Ireland.
Lucy McCusker, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Action Cancer, added:
“Centra Run Together is always a highlight in our calendar, and we’re incredibly grateful to Centra and everyone who takes part year after year. The funds raised through this event directly support our lifesaving services, helping us reach more people in local communities through the Big Bus.
“As we mark 10 years of Run Together, we would encourage as many people as possible to sign up, get involved and help us continue delivering these essential services across Northern Ireland.”
Local fitness trainer Bubba will once again lead a pre-run warm-up, while Centra brand ambassador and radio presenter Pete Snodden will start the race and welcome participants over the finish line.
Run Together 2026 is kindly sponsored by the following suppliers: Forest Feast, O’Donnell’s, Linwoods, Avonmore, Nomadic, Unrooted, Get Pro, Dromona, Coleraine, Muller, Yazoo, Boost, River Rock, Fulfil, Lindt, Ferrero and Deli Lites. For further information or to register, visit www.centra.co.uk or follow Centra NI on social media.
