We are not afraid
40,000 people take part in the Great Manchester Run in a defiant show of solidarity, six days after bombing in the city killed 22
TENS of thousands of defiant runners showed the terrorists yesterday that they will never break the spirit of Manchester.
Just six days after monster Salman Abedi murdered 22 innocent music fans, the city’s streets were packed with an estimated 40,000 competitors and many thousands more supporters for the Great Manchester Run series of races.
And to a man and woman, those we spoke to said they would never be cowed.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who ran himself in the 10k race, admitted it was a difficult decision to let the event go ahead.
He added: “We took advice from the police and security services but the consensus always was that if we were to cancel, that’s a victory for those who seek to disrupt our way of life.
“I don’t think we were prepared to give them that victory.”
Grief for the victims – and respect for the emergency services – was everywhere in the massive crowd.
A minute’s silence was observed before the start of the half-marathon race, then the city’s new anthem, Oasis classic Don’t Look Back in Anger, was played.
Clare and Craig Wood, from Durham, said they were determined not to miss the run.
Craig, 42, said: “It would have sent the wrong message if we hadn’t come.”
Clare, 40, added: “Last week’s tragedy made me even more determined to run.
“It was a brilliant atmosphere. People were shouting, ‘Thank you’ to all the police officers along the route.
“The start was really emotional with the silence and the Oasis song. It sent a shiver down your spine.”
Tom Topham, 28, and Jon Ayres came from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, to run.
Tom said: “After what happened last week we were always going to come. And it was brilliant. The support the runners had from the crowds was unbelievable.”
Lynne Berry, 45, from Warrington, Cheshire, said: “There was no doubt in my mind about coming. It’s important events like this continue.”
Sharon Raven, 47, from Bury, added: “The start was really emotional but it was an amazing atmosphere. I just felt I had to be here to run.”
Hundreds of runners also went to St Ann’s Square to look at the flowers left for the victims. Many were in tears.
Michelle Wesley, 51, of Colne, Lancashire, went after finishing the half-marathon to pay her respects. She said: “It’s upsetting. I knew it was going to be a difficult day but I wanted to come. “We can’t let them beat us.” Celebrities including stars from Coronation Street also turned out to run and show their support. Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, said: “We’re running for the children’s hospital but there’s even more reason to get behind it today.” Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster) added: “It’s very emotional. Today is a really special atmosphere. Everyone is running for the people who have lost their lives as well as our own individual charities.” Former Corrie star Denise Welch and boxer Anthony Crolla were also among the famous runners.
Anthony said: “More than ever I wanted to do this run. It shows the togetherness of the city.”
Comic John Bishop, added: “It’s just about people making a stand and saying, ‘You’re not going to change who we are and what we do.’”
Mancunians also showed their defiance at gigs over the weekend.
Anastacia sang at the O2 Apollo Manchester, urged people to give to the victims’ fund and posed with police while holding a “We love Manchester” sign.
And 50,000 fans packed into Old Trafford cricket ground to see local indie heroes The Courteeners.
The band covered Don’t Look Back in Anger and singer Liam Fray told the crowd: “If you think you can beat us, you don’t know who we are.”