The clouds hung low in the air. The metallic sounds of the commentator bounced across the pavement with a background beat of the Courteeners. A single piece of red and white rope held between two high-vis clad volunteers were all that separated runners from their mission.
The Manchester Marathon is back, and bigger than ever. The fourth-largest race of its kind in Europe, around 28,000 participants took to the roads to run the 26.2 mile route around Manchester and Trafford today.
Participants were set off in waves from the Trafford Arch, near to the White City Retail Park. They then passed through Hulme and into the city centre and were then greeted by crowds of spectators lining Deansgate, before looping back into Trafford and passing through Sale and Altrincham.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Waiting at the starting line, hundreds of runners wearing brightly coloured vests and t-shirts shook and stretched to keep warm. ‘The perfect weather for running’, the commentator told the crowds.
And with the bang of the starting pistol they were off. Families and friends cheered and shouted, phones were held like beacons as they filmed their loved ones making their way.
Throughout the streets of the city centre, spectators gathered in their hundreds supporting those taking part.
Homemade cards, balloons and pictures were scattered across a sea of proud and excited faces. And on the sidelines, hard working paramedics from St John’s Ambulance and volunteers kept a watchful eye on those who needed any assistance.
One of the many runners taking part today was Raja Aslam. He is observing Ramadan, which means he is fasting so no food or drinks from sunrise to sunset, he told the Manchester Evening News.
“Even once I've completed this marathon I’ve got a few hours until I can have something,” he said. “After I’ve completed it, that’s the challenge. I’ve had a lot of support from family and friends too.”
Of his mammoth last meal before the run, he said he had a full pizza and a chicken dish. “I’ve fully carb loaded,” he smiled.
Also running on empty during Ramadan is Emon Choudhury, who previously won the BBC Race Across the World. He said he had a big bowl of porridge before the race, along with a load of dates and as much water as possible to prepare.
Speaking of the Mancunian route, he said: “It’s like a homecoming for me. I’ve got lots of friends and family on the route so they’ll be cheering me on.”
Running for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in support of Rob Burrows former rugby league player, Emon is planning on raising £7,777.77. He said the specific number is a homage to Burrows’ number ‘7’, which he played under for the Leeds Rhinos.
Also running was Louise Warwick, who was attempting to break the Guinness world record for the longest crochet chain whilst running a marathon. The current record stands at 139.4metres.
“It’s quite a big chain to beat, but it could be fun to do it,” she said. “For my training I’ve been at Heaton Park run on Saturdays and nobody has even battered an eyelid. I don’t think anybody is surprised in the slightest.”
And on the other side, at the finish line, volunteers were on hand to check on those completing the impressive feat.
There were tears, sweat and vomit by the bucket load as the runners eked their way across the finish line. Coming in first at an unbelieve 2 hours and 16 minutes was Ignas Brasevicious, a Lithuanian National who was supported by his whole family. He said the win was a gift to his son, who’s birthday was yesterday.
And the first female across the line, Naomi Mitchell, was not far behind at a staggering 2 hours 31 minutes. Of the race itself she said: “Yeah I really enjoyed it, first half I really enjoyed it, great going through the city and loads of people to run with.
“Always tough at the halfway point but yeah, really good. They say it’s the friendliest marathon, everyone coming through and pushing me on with all the crowds. It was really good.”
Capturing the day was Venessa Scott, a local artist from Salford Quays, who created a mural of the day. The piece, titled ‘The Finish Line’ is inspired by the very same.
“In order to prepare for this I watched about an hour of the live stream of the finish line and this is what it is based on. It’s all the poses you see the runners get into as they come over. I was so inspired by that,” she said.
Of the creative process, she said: “It’s a bit of a marathon of my own, I could be here until nightfall. But being here is super inspiring.”
Many runners are raising money for incredible charities, with an exceptional £1.5 million raised in total, according to the Manchester Marathon website.
But for all of those participating today, the finish line showed a sea of humanity. From pure elation to agonising pain and everything in between - the Manchester Marathon really was a testament to the city itself.
Congratulations to all!
READ NEXT:
- Woman, 34, woke up to find she couldn't remember the last ten years of her life
- 'I used sunbeds five times a week - I thought I was going to die after my cancer diagnosis'
- Cleaner scarred for life and 'suffering flashbacks' from what she found in Manchester flat
- 'I was told I was going to wreck my legs and didn't listen': Woman's agonising symptoms after past returned to haunt her
- 'My dad had his £37k life savings wiped out by his own granddaughter - the betrayal has been incomprehensible'
