United in defiance: Local runners and big crowds on streets
THOUSANDS of Stockport runners were among those who took to the streets for this year’s emotional Great Manchester Run.
The authorities were determined that the huge annual event would go ahead despite the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena just days earlier, which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 120 more.
People were urged to attend to show that the city would not be cowed by the bombing and the response did not disappoint with tens of thousands of runners and spectators pouring into the city centre.
In a new addition this year there was also a half marathon, which started at 9am with the main 10k starting at 12.30pm.
During the day the crowds paid tribute to the heroes from the emergency services who responded to the attack at the Ariana Grande concert last Monday (May 22) and there was a minute’s silence in memory of the victims.
Over 1,400 people from Stockport took part in the 10k race, with over 400 competing in the half marathon.
Runners were raising cash for a vast range of charities - more than 36 people took on the challenge for mental health charity Stockport & District Mind and around 500 people were running for the borough’s homeless charity, The Wellspring.
Jonathan Billings, project manager at The Wellspring, said: “I would very much like to thank each and every wellspring runner and the generous people that have donated. It’s not too late to donate to the 500! Text GMRS17£5 to 70070 to donate £5.”
Coronation Street stars Kim Marsh and Sally Dynevor were running in aid of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Beechwood Cancer Care and they paid tribute to Stockport resident and Coronation Street super-fan Martyn Hett, who was among those killed in the bombing.
Kim said: “We know Martyn was a huge fan of Corrie and a lot of us actually knew him for had met him. It is just such a tragedy for everyone.”
Sally added: “It is very emotional but we are just really pleased to be here.
“There is a really special atmosphere and I think everyone is running for the 22 people who lost their lives.”
Meanwhile Heaton Mersey-based removal company Movers Transport collected clothing discarded by runners on the day to be donated to St Ann’s Hospice charity shops. »●Local runners’ results pages 10, 11, 12 and 16.