It was a day of reflection and remembrance as the Great Manchester Half Marathon and 10k took place on Sunday. Amid tightened security after the events of Monday night, 40,000 runners took to the streets of the city to #runformanchester
Run director Charlie Mussett had this to say before the race
“Manchester is not the same place this week. The event is not the same event. It’s different and we’ve tried to reflect that in the tone and content, showing respect for the victims and families and the horror that he city has seen.”
Runners were asked to wear a yellow ribbon as a mark of respect along with an emotional round of applause for the emergency services and a minutes silence at the startline.
The Half Marathon is a brand new race. Another addition to the hugely successful Great Run series, this race was a sell out. Starting on Portland Street, the course takes in some Mancunian landmarks. Both the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford featured on the course along with The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum. Finally runners returned into the city centre to finish at The Beetham Tower.
Amid the solemnity, there was also cause for celebration as runners defiantly ran for solidarity. Our new comer Steve Hunt was one of those with cause to celebrate as he took a whooping 10 minutes off his previous best.
He completed the course in 2.09.17
