...while Mo signs up for Great Run!
OLYMPIC hero Sir Mo Farah will join tens of thousands of runners on the streets of Manchester next spring.
Great Britain’s greatest ever athlete will take part in the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run as he continues his transition from the track to the road.
Farah, 34, retired from stadium competition after winning gold and silver at the World Athletics Championships in London this summer.
His latest achievements added to his four Olympic and five World Championship titles.
Farah, who has competed in Manchester before finishing third as a 24-year-old in 2007, said: “I can’t wait to take on the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run next year.
“It’s hard to believe that it has been more than ten years since I first raced there. It’s a fantastic course which has brought some of the best athletes in the world to Manchester.
“It’s a city that loves its sport and I’m looking forward to coming back.
“It is the biggest race in town and I will be making sure I’m in good shape for next May.”
The event gives Mancunians and visitors the chance to run along closed roads in the heart of the city centre, alongside world-class athletes, wellknown faces and inspirational amateur runners.
The race, which is Europe’s biggest 10K event, will take place on Sunday, May 20.
Coun Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for schools, culture and leisure, has encouraged as many residents as possible to get involved.
He said: “Sir Mo has been an inspiration for millions and I know that Mancunians will be thrilled to have the chance to line up alongside him at next year’s Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run.
“I can’t wait to take part, as the chance to run with Sir Mo is not to be missed - even though he might just beat me over 10K!
“I encourage as many residents as possible to get involved in this fantastic race.”
Also on the day will be a half marathon which, like the 10K, starts on Portland Street. It then heads to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, before heading west to Manchester United’s Old Trafford, where it picks up the 10K route back into the city centre, finishing on Deansgate alongside the iconic Beetham Tower.
To enter the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, visit greatrun.org/ manchester