A huge new running event has been added to Greater Manchester’s growing mass participation calendar.

The Cancer Research UK 10k Winter Run takes place on February 28, starting at the Etihad Campus.

A launch event in London last year drew a field of 15,000 – now organisers have added a Manchester run.

The route will involve roads closed to traffic and feature winter delights such as Snow-Zones and ‘Polar Bear Hugs.’

The event is suitable for runners of all standards.

Nearly a fifth of people who took part in the launch event in London were taking part in a run for the first time.

Coun Rosa Battle, from Manchester council, said: “We are thrilled that the

Cancer Research UK Winter Run Series has chosen Manchester as its next destination.

“After the sell-out success of the inaugural London event in 2015 we look forward to welcoming the series to our city. We hope that this exciting and fun event will inspire thousands of people from all over this great city to keep running through the winter and raise lots of money for Cancer Research UK.”

The Winter Run Series has been organised by Human Race – the UK’s largest organiser of running, cycling, triathlon and swimming events.

Nick Rusling, chief executive of Human Race, said: “The events are the

perfect challenge in the heart of winter.”

Clive Sanders, head of events at Cancer Research UK, said: “Fundraising events like The Winter Run Series are vital for raising life-saving funds to help beat cancer sooner and uniting men and women of all ages and abilities in the fight against the disease.

“We’re delighted that The Winter Run is coming to Manchester for the first time this year, giving more people from across the country the chance to give cancer the cold shoulder.

“I’d like to encourage everyone signing up for this year to take on the challenge of fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

“Our ground breaking research relies on everyone who raises money through events like The Winter Run.”

Entries open on Monday (September 7).

For more information, visit www.winterrunseries.co.uk for registration and more information.

Organisers are also staging an event in Liverpool on January 17.

The London run will take place on January 31.