NHS Blue Wave

Come be part of the first Plymouth NHS Blue Wave at Britain's Ocean City Running Festival! 

What is the Blue Wave?

The Blue Wave is the moment when colleagues and supporters of University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) come together at the start line, united in their Blue Wave T-shirts, to visually celebrate the incredible work of our hospital and the NHS.

Whether you walk, jog or run the distances, the Blue Wave is all about having fun, feeling great and making a difference by fundraising for our hospital. 

Date & Time: Sunday 11th May 2025, approx. 9:00am start. 
Where? Plymouth Hoe Promenade
Distances: Half Marathon, 10k & 5k 
Price: Subject to each race (£10 off entry fee with our discount code)
Fundraising Target: £50
Included: Training and dietary support, medal, exclusive Blue Wave T-shirt, a digital fundraising page, and support from our fundraising team.

BLUE WAVE DISCOUNT CODE: NHSBLUE25

About Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival:

The Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival features the Plymouth Half, Plymouth 10k, Plymouth 5k, and the Primary School Challenge. With scenic routes that wind through Plymouth’s beautiful streets, the festival is a celebration of running, the community, and our vibrant city. On the day, the course will be packed with live music, charity cheering points, boost zones and incredible support from thousands of spectators.

Sign up today by choosing one of the races on the right of the page!

Calling All UHP Staff & Supporters: It’s Time to Join the Blue Wave!

Calling All UHP Staff & Supporters: It’s Time to Join the Blue Wave!

Expect to see a sea of NHS Blue at Britain's Ocean City Running Festival this coming May

Staff from across University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), along with friends, family and supporters, will unite to participate in the first-ever Plymouth NHS Blue Wave!


We're looking for people who would like to create a giant blue wave for the Half Marathon, 5k and 10k on Sunday 11th May. Everyone who signs up will cross the start line together, proudly wearing an exclusive Blue Wave T-shirt to show their support for their local hospital.


The Blue Wave is a celebration of well-being, camaraderie and the NHS. UHP staff are encouraged to get involved to improve their physical and mental health by training together and motivating each other to run at Devon's largest running event of the year. It's also a fantastic opportunity to help raise vital funds for Plymouth Hospitals Charity that will make a difference to the lives of staff and patients.


The Blue Wave is a collaboration project between the University Hospitals Plymouth Well-being Team, the Derriford Health and Well-being Centre, Plymouth Hospitals Charity and Britain's Ocean City Running Festival.

 

The Blue Wave UHP team holding a Blue Wave banner in front of the DCHW gym.


Claire Chinnock, People's Promise Manager at UHP, said: "The Well-being Team are excited to be a part of the NHS Blue Wave in collaboration with Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival, to support our colleagues and supporters in taking part however they can. Whether you choose to walk, jog or run the various distances at the event on 11th May, this is a brilliant opportunity to get your body moving and meet new people who will be on the journey with you.


We all know that exercise is a great way to improve your well-being, and this is a great way for you to get involved, no matter how experienced you are. The Well-being team will be there on the day, cheering on our colleagues and supporters. Let’s go Blue for UHP!"


Jamie Lee, Plymouth Hospitals Charity's Fundraising Manager, said, "We are so excited to be involved in this fantastic event. You don’t need to be part of the NHS or an avid runner to participate. Everyone is welcome in the Blue Wave. It's all about coming together to support one another and to raise funds for our local hospital."


Plymouth Hospitals Charity is subsidising entries, so you will get £10 off the race entry fee when you sign up with the Blue Wave discount code, as well as a free Blue Wave T-shirt to wear on the day. We have a suggested fundraising goal of £50 per runner; however, any amount you manage to raise will be greatly appreciated and will help support our hospital.


If you've always wanted to do a running challenge but struggle to stay motivated, or if you've participated in one before and want to support your local hospital this time, the Blue Wave is the perfect opportunity to reach your goals and make a difference!


Why Sign Up?

  • Subsidised entry to the marathon (£10 off the sign-up fee)
  • Free Exclusive Blue Wave T-Shirt
  • Expert training and dietary support
  • A chance to do some feel-good fundraising for your local hospital!

 

How to Sign Up

Whether you're an experienced runner or prefer a jog or walk, everyone is welcome to join! For more information and to receive your special blue wave discount code, please contact our charity team at phcharityteam@nhs.net.

You can find out more information about Britain's Ocean City Running Festival on their website.