Final-ever Run for Jo Cox in Birstall on 10th anniversary of MP’s murder set to be ‘most meaningful’ of them all

The final-ever Run for Jo Cox will take place this summer in Birstall - and it is set to be the “most meaningful” of them all.

The farewell Run for Jo will be held on Sunday, June 21, at Oakwell Hall in Birstall – ten years after the Batley and Spen MP was murdered.

Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley and sister of Jo Cox, pictured with her parents Jean and Gordon Leadbeater at the start of a recent Run For Jo. This year's event will be the final one on the tenth anniversary of Jo's murder.placeholder image
Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley and sister of Jo Cox, pictured with her parents Jean and Gordon Leadbeater at the start of a recent Run For Jo. This year's event will be the final one on the tenth anniversary of Jo's murder.

The event has become an annual fixture in the local calendar and brings together runners, families and communities to celebrate Jo’s belief that ‘we have far more in common than that which divides us’.

The event coincides with The Great Get Together weekend, forming part of a nationwide moment of community, remembrance and solidarity inspired by Jo’s life and values.

Jo Cox.placeholder image
Jo Cox.

Pete Davies, senior organiser at GMB which sponsors the event, said: “It’s an honour for GMB to once again sponsor the Run for Jo, especially on its poignant final chapter.

“Jo was not only a dedicated MP, but a proud GMB member who believed passionately in fairness, solidarity and the power of people coming together.

“This final run is our chance to celebrate everything Jo stood for, to remember her legacy, and to make this tenth anniversary the biggest and most meaningful yet.

Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley and sister of Jo, added: “Run for Jo has become a hugely special event for our community and this final run feels especially important.

The runners set off on a Run For Jo.placeholder image
The runners set off on a Run For Jo.

“It brings together everything Jo believed in; kindness, compassion and connection and sits at the very heart of The Great Get Together.

“With something for everyone, from the cross-country challenge and the fun run to the stalls, entertainment and mascot race, it’s a joyful celebration of community spirit.

“I’m hugely grateful to GMB for their continued support and to the volunteers from More in Common, Batley and Spen who have worked so hard to make this farewell event possible.”

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