Marathon pair to meet up at Manchester Run
PART IN RACE BY GRATEFUL CLUB
A RUNNER from Manchester who was helped over the finishing line at the London Marathon will be reunited with his saviour at this year’s Great Manchester Run.
David Wyeth, from Chorlton, was metres away from completing the gruelling race last month when he began to collapse with exhaustion.
But fellow runner, Welshman Matthew Rees, stopped and, along with a race official, helped him over the line. Images of the two arm-in-arm were seen around the world – and the pair, who had never met beforehand, have been in constant contact since.
David and Matthew will be reunited at the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run 10k on Sunday, 28 May. Matthew, from Swansea, will travel up to Manchester for Europe’s biggest 10k, after being invited by event organisers, The Great Run Company.
He will line up alongside David, whose club Chorlton Runners will have more than 80 runners taking part in the 10k and the new half marathon.
David said: “It is fantastic that Matthew will have the chance to meet so many of my club mates so soon after our London adventure.
“Everyone associated with Chorlton Runners will be delighted to see Matt, myself included, following his wonderful act of kindness in London – there will be such incredible support for him right around the course.”
He added: “The Great Manchester Run was the first mass event I took part in when I started getting into running. It is such an inspiring event and a great way to test yourself whether you are new to running or a competitive club runner. Participating for the first time was such a thrill taking to the streets of Manchester with such supportive crowds.”
Matthew said: “I’ve been overwhelmed with the response this has had and I’m grateful for the organisers for inviting me along to this event. It’ll be great to see David again – in happier circumstances.”
Great Run Company chairman Brendan Foster, who was commentating on London Marathon for the BBC said: “The images of Matthew helping David to the finish line of the London Marathon were very special and captivated the BBC television audience. We are very happy to reunite them at the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run.”
For more info on the run visit greatrun.org/manchester