Great Manchester Run, 26th May 2024

Sophie Richardson made her half-marathon debut down, taking on the challenge of the Great Manchester Run. She sends us this report:

“The forecast for the morning of the race was 80% chance of rain (Note from editor: isn’t that always the case in Manchester?), but thankfully it didn’t actually start raining until after most people had finished the half marathon! In the end it was perfect weather as the clouds made for a cool temperature for late May. There was a 10K option which started after the half marathon, so they probably got quite wet.

The route took us from the centre of Manchester, along the very scenic Mancunian Way motorway until we hit the Etihad Stadium. Then it was back along the motorway in the opposite direction all the way to Old Trafford, and then back into the centre of Manchester. Unfortunately, due to setting off much too quickly at the start I didn’t see Old Trafford as I was concentrating too much on keeping going!

It was a very well organised race and there were huge crowds and a lot of bands/choirs/drummers which were great for motivation. It was a fantastic first experience of a half marathon!”

Having aimed for 2 hours, Sophie was very happy to have finished in 2:00:17, placing 4,685th.

Very well done, glad you enjoyed your first half-marathon and hope you are looking forward to your next one. Though I don’t think that I will ever be joining you on this one, though – my football allegiances wouldn’t allow me to enter any race that went to the Etihad and Old Trafford!