People's Champion finalist 2018: Blackpool Music Run

Music, fun and fitness in one of the UK’s most iconic seaside resorts – what’s not to love? But do you like Blackpool Music Run enough to give it your People’s Champion vote?

Start-up name: Blackpool Music Run
Founders: Luke Taylor
Started in: 2017
Based in: Blackpool
Business description: A family fitness event with live music lining the Blackpool Promenade route.

Shortlisted categories:

Side Hustle of the Year

The Blackpool Music Run story:

Most of us do like to be beside the seaside. And to run along the Prom, when a brass band plays ‘tiddly-om-pom-pom’ is not far removed from what Luke Taylor is seeking to achieve in the north-west’s iconic seaside resort Blackpool.

Whether a brass band provides entertainment or not, his idea is to create a memorable family fitness event that supports local businesses, musicians and charity.

Essentially, entrants to the 10K and 2K events can run, walk, jog or dance their way to the finish line, while local acts and artists perform for them.

And at the end, finishers reach a festival headlined by a “top act”. Taylor’s side hustle endeavour is coming together and will take place on Sunday, June 19, 2019 with the aim of pulling in punters for a weekend of seaside frolics.

Why Blackpool Music Run made our shortlist:

We love the vision and Taylor’s bringing the event together with thousands of pounds of ticket sales following a publicity campaign that has led to coverage on local radio stations and media.

He’s also secured sponsorship and the support of local businesses. With a Start Up Loan of £9,000 and a Personal Loan of £5,000, Taylor is all set to make Blackpool’s promenade the place to be for a family fun run/walk/dance in June 2019.