WE ARE NOT AFRAID
40,000 runners defy attack threats
PROUD Manchester was buzzing yesterday as 40,000 runners sent a defiant message to terrorists after the Arena bombing.
Athletes and spectators packed the city and held a minute’s silence for the 22 victims before the Great Manchester Run.
THE proud people of Manchester proved they will not run from terror as 40,000 raced through the streets.
Men, women and children of all ages united in defiance by taking part in the Great Manchester Run yesterday.
The event took place as armed police hunting down killer Salman Abedi’s cell continued to carry out raids across the city.
Some ran in floods of tears after an emotionally-charged minute’s silence in honour of the victims of the blast at the Ariana Grande concert a week ago.
Twenty-two people were killed by suicide bomber Abedi, with 166 injured.
Many runners were raising money for a fund set up to help victims and relatives.
Officers armed with semi-automatic assault rifles were dotted around the 10k course to safeguard spectators and athletes.
But runners were determined to show they would not bow to terror.
Matthew Hayhurst posted a picture of himself arm-in-arm with his family with the caption: “We are not afraid.”
Each wore a message on their backs with their names followed by “is not afraid”.
Runner David Hart said: “Whether