Gladiator Stars Send 1500 Young Runners on Their Way in Manchester
The excitement was palpable as TV show Gladiators newest recruits, Tom Wilson (AKA Hammer) and Lystus Ebosele (AKA Cyclone), joined Great Run Ambassador Olympian Eilish McColgan to officially start the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run 2025.
Over 1500 children took part in the sold-out event which was the biggest in a decade, cheered on by family and friends. Minis aged 3-8 ran a fun and energetic 1.5km, whilst Juniors aged 9-15 tackled the supercharged 2.5km route before receiving their well-earned medals for their efforts.
Young running talent from across the region shone through with Adrian White of Trafford Athletics Club putting in outstanding performance with the fastest Male Junior time of 00:07:50, and Beatrix Soper of Sale Harriers recording 00:08:43 as the fastest Female junior runner.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive, The Great Run Company, said; “The AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run proves that you are never too young to start running. Not only was it a joy to see so many families join the fun, the performances of the young athletes in the Junior race really highlighted that the North West is home to some of the rising stars in athletics. I look forward to following their journeys in years to come.”
Hammer (Tom Wilson) said: “We loved coming to Manchester and meeting our fans young and old. Being active is a real super power that gives you so much and we’re passionate about encouraging young people to get moving and have fun at the same time.”
Taking part today was 11 year old Rory whose participation in the Junior Great Manchester Run truly encapsulated the spirit of the event. For Rory, today was about much more than just crossing the finish line. He said: “I didn’t worry about the time. I just wanted to go out, enjoy it, and have fun!”
Rory competed in today’s event alongside his brothers, Ewan (14) and Alec (10), fundraising for Kidneys For Life, a Manchester-based charity that supports kidney patients and research. Rory was born with a rare condition called PUV which affects only 1 in 8000 boys. From a very young age dialysis and hospital stays were the norm until his Dad donated a kidney and gave Rory a second chance. He takes part in the British Transplant Games every year, doing the 2.5k Donor Run with support, loving the atmosphere and pride of finishing but most of all because he gets to spend time with children just like him! Rory’s goal isn’t to win. It’s to inspire. To show that no matter what life throws at you, you can still move forward with courage, determination, and a smile.
The AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run returns on Saturday 30 May 2026 – Super Earlybird registration prices are available here, but only until 10am on Monday 26 May.
Attention turns now to the main event on Sunday with 35,000 runners tackling the 10K & Half Marathon supported by 150,000 spectators lining the streets, and millions watching the action live on BBC2 at home from 11am.
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