In celebration of ten years of the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool innovation district, Colin Sinclair, CEO of KQ Liverpool and Sciontec, will be stepping out with another ‘feet’ of endurance, by running from the Lake District to Liverpool. 

The 100+ mile route, equivalent to three consecutive ultramarathons, will pave the way for Stage 2 of next year’s Tour de France. Colin’s monumental journey, on foot, will start as the riders will in Keswick, finishing in KQ Liverpool at the iconic Spine building. 

So, where Colin goes in September 2026, the Tour de France follows in July 2027!

This epic challenge will help raise money for Alfie’s Squad, The Brain Charity and Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; the three charities KQ Liverpool has partnered with throughout 2026, which support children, young people and their families. 

Colin Sinclair, CEO of KQ Liverpool and Sciontec, said:

“I did think of doing the 130 miles from the North Lakes to Liverpool on my bike, to ride in the slipstream of the Tour, but I wanted to trailblaze and do something unique.

“I’m just hoping that there are a few other people who will be willing to run some of the route with me. Even 5k would be nice company. 

“However challenging it will be, it’s all about championing children and young people across the Liverpool City Region, and just thinking about the invaluable support our three amazing charities can provide for them, will get me to the finish line!”

Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool City Council and chair of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, added: 

“Over the past decade, KQ Liverpool has created a world-class destination for science, education and technology, creating an impactful legacy, while spearheading new ideas and attracting exciting opportunities. 

“Our Chief Executive Colin has committed so much energy to those achievements, and his amazing run marks his personal commitment to raising aspirations, innovation, community engagement, and opportunities for young people. We all wish him well and will be cheering him on.”

This latest foolhardy challenge for the veteran runner follows last year’s LCR In a Day double-marathon run across each of the region’s six boroughs, which raised nearly £17,000 for six children’s and young people’s charities.

Colin’s ‘Tour de Ten’ run is one of ten fundraising events and innovation-inspired activities taking place within 2026, to celebrate KQ Liverpool’s 10th Anniversary. 

To find out more about Colin’s ‘Tour de Ten’ run or to make a donation, please visit KQ Liverpool’s fundraising page here.

If you’d like to get involved as a corporate sponsor, please email: enquiries@kqliverpool.co.uk.

Colin Sinclair, CEO of KQ Liverpool and Sciontec, said:

“I did think of doing the 130 miles from the North Lakes to Liverpool on my bike, to ride in the slipstream of the Tour, but I wanted to trailblaze and do something unique.

“I’m just hoping that there are a few other people who will be willing to run some of the route with me. Even 5k would be nice company. 

“However challenging it will be, it’s all about championing children and young people across the Liverpool City Region, and just thinking about the invaluable support our three amazing charities can provide for them, will get me to the finish line!”

Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool City Council and chair of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, added: 

“Over the past decade, KQ Liverpool has created a world-class destination for science, education and technology, creating an impactful legacy, while spearheading new ideas and attracting exciting opportunities. 

“Our Chief Executive Colin has committed so much energy to those achievements, and his amazing run marks his personal commitment to raising aspirations, innovation, community engagement, and opportunities for young people. We all wish him well and will be cheering him on.”