30,000 hit city streets
GET ON YOUR MARKS FOR THE 16TH ANNUAL GREAT MANCHESTER RUN
AROUND 30,000 people will take over the city’s streets for the 16th annual Great Manchester Run tomorrow.
It’s the third largest running event in the country, and also includes the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run, along with an adult half marathon and 10k.
Last year, the massive event was staged just six days after the devastating Manchester Arena attack, and this year’s anniversary will be marked with a minute’s silence on the start line.
Some of those close to the atrocity will be taking part to raise funds for local charities. Paul Foster, chief executive of The Great Run Company, said: “Following the terrible events at Manchester Arena, we know last year’s run was an important opportunity for the people of Manchester to come together to demonstrate their spirit and solidarity. We hope Sunday will be a chance not only to remember those lost and others directly affected, but also to reaffirm the resolve of this great city which continues today.”
Coronation Street stars Katie McGlynn, who is running for Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, and Cherylee Houston, who is fundraising for drama project Triple C for young people with disabilities in Manchester, are just two of the celebrities participating.
Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah will head the field in the elite race.
More than 3,000 staff, students and alumni will be representing the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University and for the first time over 350 NHS staff representing the Manchester University Foundation Trust will take part in distinctive NHS blue T-shirts.
The event will be shown live on the BBC from midday until 2.30pm. The 10k start line is on Portland Street and the route travels down the A56 towards Old Trafford and back towards Deansgate.
The finish system will remain in operation until all runners have crossed the line on Deansgate.
The half marathon course revolves around both of the city’s football stadiums. Starting on Portland Street, it travels towards the Etihad Stadium then the route runs south of the city centre towards Old Trafford and then back towards the finish line on Deansgate.
7.30am: Info desk opens in Albert Square for pack collection and queries (No entries will be taken on day) 9am: Start of Half Marathon WAVE 1 9.10am: Start of Half Marathon WAVE 2
12.30pm: 10k Elite Wheelchair start 12:45pm: 10k Elite Women start 1.07pm: 10k Elite Men & Fast Paced Club Runners and Orange Wave start 1.25pm: 10k White Wave start 1.55pm: 10k Purple Wave start (Manchester University) 2pm: 10k Blue Wave start 2.40pm: 10k Green Wave start 3pm: Pink Wave start Timetable is provisional and times are subject to change. Follow our live blog at manchestereveningnews.co.uk