The Young Man Using Community Running to Bring People Together

For Jordan Egerton, running is about more than exercise. The Manchester youth worker has turned sport into a way of bringing people together and creating opportunities for his local community.

Jordan works as a sessional youth worker with the Greater Manchester Youth Network and as a youth development lead for The King’s Trust. He is also the founder of Men of Kin, a community group that organises weekly runs and social activities.

Building Connections Through Running

Jordan’s community runs are designed to give people a chance to get active while meeting others in a relaxed environment.

Through Men of Kin, he has created regular opportunities for people to exercise together and build connections outside traditional settings.

He has also worked with partners to help provide free therapy sessions for local men, while using his podcast, Value Exchange, to discuss issues affecting his community.

A Challenge With a Message

Last November, Jordan took on a demanding daily running challenge connected to suicide awareness.

During the challenge, he carried a heavy sandbag while running as a physical representation of the invisible weight that some people carry.

The challenge was intended to encourage conversations around mental health and remind people that they do not have to face difficult experiences alone.

Recognised for His Community Work

Jordan was named the winner of the Active Award at the 2026 BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards.

The awards recognise people and organisations across Greater Manchester whose work has made a difference in their communities.

Jordan’s recognition reflects the range of activities he has developed through youth work, community running and social events.

Sport as a Way to Connect

Rather than treating sport simply as competition, Jordan has used running as a starting point for conversations, friendships and community activities.

His work shows how a simple weekly run can become a regular meeting point for people looking for connection, activity and a supportive community.

For Jordan, the goal goes beyond completing a run. It is about creating spaces where people can meet, talk and feel part of something.

Sources

• BBC Radio Manchester — Make a Difference Awards 2026
• BBC News — “Manchester’s Make a Difference Awards winners revealed”