Running for Greatness: Nabeel Hoque

As this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run weekend approaches – we’re shining a spotlight on some of our inspiring participants who are running for more than the medal when they lace up their trainers on the 18th May.

Meet Nabeel, a 26 year old junior doctor, who is taking on his first ever running event when he gets to the start line of the 10k in May. Working in healthcare took its toll and Nabeel found himself depleted, defeated and severely depressed at the beginning of last year. He stopped eating, sleeping and was experiencing memory loss.

Hitting rock bottom and becoming so ill he was admitted to the Priory Hospital for five months to undergo treatment, as he started to recover, it was clear to Nabeel that time spent on his physical health would improve his mental wellbeing. So, after being discharged from hospital in June 2024, Nabeel started running, ‘Running was a way of keeping active, focusing my mind on a positive future and of keeping in touch with friends who use running to support their health.’

Nabeel has reaped the benefit a focus on his physical health had on his mental state and is now an advocate of the impact running can have on your life. ‘The thing I love the most about running is that it makes me feel like I am actively pursuing a healthier, fitter version of myself. Each run feels like an achievement and motivates me to do the next run, then the next and the next.’
After facing the adversity of watching his family home flood, waist-deep in water, at the start of 2025 Nabeel says running became a lifeline in the aftermath to focus his mind and help him move forward. He says ‘There are so many mental, physical and spiritual health benefits from running.’

In a testament to the transformative power of running to bring about greatness, Nabeel credits it to helping him return to work in March this year, over a year after he was signed off. ‘The impact of running on my mental health has been apparent in such a short space of time. The physical feeling of being outdoors and the feelings of drive and motivation when you finish and check the distance/time run all help me feel positive and strong.’ As he navigates his return-to-work plan Nabeel plans to fit in his runs post work around the hospital locality to delay the commute avoiding rush-hour traffic and fitting it in without disrupting his day.

Nabeel set himself a goal to run the Great Manchester Run in 2025 and together with his friend, Rebecca, they started to train. He says of his progress, ‘My fastest 10k time has been 44 minutes 34 seconds, but I don’t intend on going for a personal record at the event I’ll be using the opportunity to run with friends for the fun of it!’

His advice to anyone considering taking part is, ‘Get yourself a pair of running trainers, book a place and start working towards your goal – and don’t forget to invite friends, family and loved ones to join in with you as it’s a fun way to spend time with them, whether they’re coming to watch or taking part with you!’

Be part of the action! Places for the 10K, Half Marathon and Junior & Mini kids events are expected to sell out in advance once again, so act fast to secure your spot on the start line.