Manchester’s Greatest Cheered on by Olympic Heroes
As the biggest AJ Bell Great Manchester Run in a decade takes to the streets.
As the sun shined, the biggest AJ Bell Great Manchester Run in a decade saw over 35,000 runners fill the streets with colour as they completed the 10K and half marathon courses, cheered on by over 150,000 supporters.
Whether runners were taking on their first 10K or conquering their 50th half marathon, Manchester’s original and best-loved running event, is all about inspiring runners to be their best. Whether they ran for fitness, for fun or to fundraise, taking their place on the start line was about showing up and doing the best, contributing to millions of pounds being raised for hundreds of charities big and small.
Founder and President of the Great Run Company Sir Brendan Foster said: “Manchester once again turned out in full force to deliver the party atmosphere we only ever experience at The Great Manchester Run. The sun was shining, the crowds cheered, and we got to witness some exceptional performances from both our world class athletes but also our everyday runners who make this event what it is – a real celebration of running! We can’t wait to do it all again next year.”
Today’s event saw more women than men run the 10K course for the first time ever, inspired now doubt by Manchester born and bred Olympian Keely Hodgkinson who was this year’s official race starter.
Outstanding Elite Performances
Newcomer to the Great Manchester Run, Selemon Barega (Ethiopia) was the winner of the Elite Men’s 10K in 00:27:49, his first ever 10K road race outside of his home country.
Santiago Catrofe of Uruguay claimed second place in a time of 00:27:52, with last year’s winner Vincent Ngetich of Kenya in third place in 00:27:58.
The elite women’s 10K race saw Medina Eisa (Ethiopia) finish was ahead of the pack to take the crown in 00:30:42 with Emily Sisson (USA) in second in 00:31:03 and 2024 winner Gotytom Gebreslase (Ethiopia) finishing third in 00:31:11.
The wheelchair races saw seven time Paralympian David Weir clinch his 6th Great Manchester win (00:21:19) and last year’s Great North winner Jade Hall add to her title, winning the Female Wheelchair 10K (00:24:11).
Famous Faces
Starting in 2003 as a legacy of the Commonwealth Games, this year’s runners rubbed shoulders with famous faces from across the North West including Gemma Atkinson and her partner Strictly’s Gorka Marquez, they were joined by fellow dancers Carlos Gu and Jowita Przystał.
Musician Peter Hook completed his 14th Great Manchester Run for local cancer hospital The Christie. Corrie stars Harriet Bibby, Elle Mulvaney and new-comer Jason Callender, and Traitors S3 Minah Shannon, Kasim Ahmed, Alex Olesky & Joe Scott also completed the 10K.
Enter 2026 Now!
The Great Manchester Run 2026 will take place on Sunday 31 May and entries are open. Enter here before Monday 26 May to secure Super Earlybird price.
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