Joe Wigfield broke the course record while Coronation Street and Love Island stars also took on the 13.1-mile challenge as £1.6million was raised for good causes
A record 28,000 participants took part in Sunday’s Manchester Half marathon as more than £1.6million was raised for charity.
Thousands of supporters lined the streets to cheer on those tackling the 13.1-mile course, which started by Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium before travelling through Stretford, Sale and Chorlton.
It was the area’s largest half marathon of its kind with more records smashed on the day as Joe Wigfield led the elite men home in a stunning time of 01:02:02. He was closely followed by Jonny Mellor, with Omar Ahmed in third.
Fellow Puma athlete Lily Partridge won the women’s elite race ahead of Charlotte Purdue, while Sean Frame beat his own record in the elite men’s wheelchair competition.
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Former Lioness Izzy Christiansen – who played more than 60 times for Manchester City – was on hand to present the winners with their prizes.
It was a big party on the streets of Manchester, with several celebrities taking part. Love Island’s Tom Clare and The Traitor’s star Diane Carson were spotted, while Coronation Street’s Harriet Bibby (Summer Spellman), Calum Lill (Joel Deering) and Channique Sterling-Brown (Dee-Dee Bailey) took a break from the cobbles to take on the challenge.
Meanwhile, there were two Guinness World Records. Sophie Godley carried 13 golf clubs to secure the Fastest Time Carrying Golf Clubs (Female), while Matthew Athersmith and his team wiggled their way to the Fastest Time in a Four-Person Costume – dressed as a caterpillar! The Manchester Half’s oldest participant – Gordon Aaron – also took on his fifth event at 90 years old.
Can you spot yourself in our pictures from the Manchester Half? Have a look here.
Andrew Smith, CEO of Manchester Half event organiser, A.S.O. UK said: “We’ve just delivered the largest half marathon in Manchester ever, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who made it happen – especially our incredible volunteers. The atmosphere across Trafford and Greater Manchester has been phenomenal, and it’s inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate this city and remind us of its resilience.
“Raising over £1.3 million for charity – and counting – is particularly special for our team, but the real credit goes to the participants who’ve trained and fundraised for months to get here. While we are looking forward to the future continued success of this event, today was also a moment to reflect, and for the community to shine through, which they did in full Mancunian spirit.”
Entries for next year’s event on Sunday, October 4 will open to the public at noon on Tuesday. For more information, visit www.mcrhalf.co.uk