Soap star tackles big race for dad
AN actor and Guiness World Record holder from Stockport has ran a new best time in his latest half-marathon.
Greg Kelly, 35, from Stockport, ran the Wiggle Manchester Half Marathon, on Sunday, October 13, in memory of dad, Ian, who was a patient at St Ann’s Hospice before his death.
He has previously ran 17 marathons, and in the Wiggle Half achieved new personal bests across almost every distance from 800, 1500, 3000 and 8000m.
He’s now aiming for a personal best in the 10K at the Abbey Dash on the 27th October to complete the set.
Greg, who has featured in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, said: “I’ve been aiming to get under 80 minutes for two years so I’m chuffed.
“It wasn’t ideal in the rain, but it is Manchester so you just get on with it.
“I’ve been training a lot with a guy who ran 76 minutes and lives just around the corner from me, he is super quick.
“We’ve done a lot of training together and I’ve been pushing myself, training smart and putting the miles in, so I’m just really happy it’s paid off.”
Greg gained his world record after running the London Marathon in April, for the fastest marathon dressed as a doctor, finishing in just 2hrs 50mins 17secs, dressed in blue scrubs, complete with stethoscope.
He’s now aiming for a personal best in the 10K at the Abbey Dash on the 27th October to complete the set, and now has his sights on the Berlin and Chicago marathons next year, as well as adding another Guinness World Record to his list of achievements.
The 13.1 miles for the Wiggle Half started and finished at Lancashire Cricket Club.
The half is one of the biggest charity fundraising activities on the Manchester calendar, with runners from beginner through to elite level raising precious funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, The Christie, the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and other associated charities.
Visit www. greatermanchester marathon.com for more information.