RUNNING club Manchester Harriers is encouraging people across Trafford to don the trainers for a twilight charity run around Trafford and Salford Quays next month.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the former shipping docks for Life Style Sports Run in the Dark on Wednesday November 11.

The running event, which offers 5k and 10k route options, aims to raise money for The Mark Pollock Trust, which was set up in the hopes of finding a cure for spinal cord injury.

Runners will start off from Media City at 8pm, with the route crossing over to the Imperial War Museum and along Trafford Wharf Road to Victoria Warehouse and back.

The 5k runners will do one lap and the 10k runners will do two. Emma Tolond, who currently holds the title of fastest female in the Manchester Harriers, with a 10k personal best of 40 minutes, said she was looking forward to participating.

The 27-year-old said: “It’s great to know that my involvement in the event will also support The Mark Pollock Trust so I am doing my bit as well as striving to beat my own personal best.

“This will be my first year but through word of mouth I have heard it’s an amazing event. Salford Quays is always a popular location for runners and will undoubtedly be atmospheric on the night with a flurry of flashing lights.”

The Mark Pollock Trust was set up by Mark Pollock, a blind runner who competed in ultra-endurance races across desserts, mountains and polar ice caps. He was the first blind person to race to the South Pole and also won silver and bronze medals for rowing at the Commonwealth Games.

In 2010, Mark was left paralysed after falling from a second story window and is now exploring the frontiers of spinal injury recovery.

For more information on Run in the Dark and details on how to sign up, visit runinthedark.org.