Runners at ready for hero Mark in Lifestyle Sports Run in the Dark

As darkness falls on Wednesday, November 13, thousands will gather, pull on their trainers and begin running in the hope of playing a part in improving the lives of paralysed people across the globe.

The annual 5km or 10km Run in the Dark is being held for a third consecutive year at five official locations - Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London and Manchester - but will also see various pop-up events in cities worldwide run by independent champions.

Approximately 5,000 took place in last year’s event, with participants describing an overwhelming sense of togetherness.