WE ARE NOT AFRAID
40,000 runners take to Manchester’s streets in show of defiance against terror
TENS of thousands took part in the Great Manchester Run yesterday to put on a defiant show of solidarity.
Six days after the bombing that killed 22, they proved that we will not be cowed by terror.
Comic John Bishop, who was running, said: “It’s about people making a stand and saying, ‘You’re not going to change who we are and what we do’.”
There are more of us than them and today proved it. Your terror will not win JOHN BISHOP ON SHOW OF TOGETHERNESS
WHEN evil extremist Salman Abedi detonated his bomb last week, he wanted to send the message that we should be living our lives in fear.
But yesterday, an estimated 40,000 people who took part in the Great Manchester Run proved he had failed – and sent their own clear message.
It was summed up perfectly by comedian John Bishop, 50, who was among the competitors.
He said: “It’s about people making a stand and saying, ‘You’re not going to change who we are and what we do’.”
And the star later tweeted: “#runformanchester there are more of us than them and today proved it. Your terror will not win.”
Men, women and children from across the UK had united to support the city – and honour the 22 victims of last Monday’s atrocity.
They joined in eight 10k runs and half-marathons amid a large security presence – and cheered armed police along the course as they ran past them.
Corrie stars Sally Dynevor and Kym Marsh were among the famous faces determined to take part. Sally, 53, who was snapped with Loose Women star Denise Welch, said: “It is very emotional but we are pleased to be here. Today is a special atmosphere. Everyone is running for the 22 people who lost their lives as well as our own charities.”
VICTORY
Kym, 40, added: “We are running for the Children’s Hospital but there is even more reason to get behind it today.”
Boxer Anthony Crolla, 30, said: “More than ever, I wanted to do this run. It shows the togetherness of the city. The response has been amazing.”
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, joined the 10k run and said it was important that the race went ahead. He said: “It was a difficult decision. But the consensus always was if we cancel, that’s a victory for those who seek to disrupt our way of life.”
Matthew Rees and David Wyeth were among the competitors – underlining the sense of solidarity felt. The pair hit headlines after Matthew helped David to the finish line in last month’s London Marathon’s as he started to collapse.
As they ran together yesterday, David, from Sale, said: “The event has really given people a reason to come together.”
There was a minute’s silence before the half-marathon at the start of the day and then Oasis song Don’t Look Back in Anger was played. Clare and Craig Wood had travelled from Durham. Craig, 42, said: “It would have sent the wrong message if we had not come.”
And Clare, 40, added: “It was a brilliant atmosphere. People were shouting ‘Thank you’ to police.” Tom Topham, 28, and Jon Ayres, travelled from Chesterfield, Derbys. Tom said: “The support was unbelievable. When I crossed the line I felt like crying.” Jon added: “We did not expect so many people.” Runners later joined crowds at the floral shrine in St Ann’s Square, many in tears.
Meanwhile, US pop star Anastacia performed at the O2 Apollo Manchester and urged people to boost the victims’ fund. An image posted by Greater Manchester Police showed the star with officers holding a “I love Manchester” sign. She tweeted: “Manchester this show will be in my heart forever. Thank U4 showing so much strength & love.”
On Saturday night, police had been high-fived by music fans as a gig by the Courteeners became the city’s first major event since the atrocity.
Armed officers patrolled Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford ground as singer Liam Fray, reciting the poem written by Ryan Williams in the aftermath of the strike, told the crowd the city would “rekindle our swagger”.
He added: “If you can think you can beat us, you don’t know who we are.”
And Becky Williams, 24, who was at last Monday’s Ariana Grande concert, had not been put off going along. She said: “I can’t live my life in fear.”