Greater Manchester Marathon back after 10 years
The Greater Manchester Marathon, back for the first time after a decade, saw just under 5,000 runners lining up at the start yesterday (Sunday 29 April 2012).
Athletics legend Ron Hill and Darren Campbell MBE, one of Britain’s most successful male sprinters, started the race and they both sent the runners on their way through the sporting heart of Greater Manchester.
The course - with some of the highlights including the Imperial War Museum, the new Media City, and views of Old Trafford - went through Trafford Park, Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altricham, Dunham Massey, Partington, Carrington and Urmston before finishing in Stretford’s Longford Park.
The first runner to cross the finish line was Dave Norman from Altrincham Athletics Club in a gun time of 02:24:50, winning his first ever marathon in the Olympic year. Andy Jones came second in 02:26:23 followed by Martin Sanders in 02:28:08 in third place.
The first woman across the finish line was Rebecca Johnson from Bellahouston Road Runners in a gun time of 03:05:26 followed by runner up Sally Malir from Ikley Harriers in 03:10:46. Jessica Oliver-Bell from Trafford AC came third in a time of 03:10:50.
“The communities have been amazing, there was a shower of gratitude from the runners to the many people out on the streets cheering and encouraging them through the challenging weather conditions of the day,” commented Simon Hill, Race Director of the Greater Manchester Marathon.
The Greater Manchester Marathon saw a lot of support from Mancunians in general, including racing driver Oliver Webb who was driving the lead car, athletics legend Ron Hill and Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell. Former Manchester City player Ian Brightwell and Steve Coogan were also amongst the running crowds.
“I would like to express a huge thank you to all the runners who braced the weather conditions today to complete the 26.2 miles, as well as to all the volunteers, marshals and supporters,” Hill continued.
“The supporting crowds were amazing, showing true Manchester spirit and keeping the runners motivated around the course. I am very proud of everyone involved and everyone who ran today, showing incredible stamina. A big thank you also to all the sponsors and partners of the Greater Manchester Marathon 2012.”
Sponsoring partners for the Greater Manchester Marathon included Brooks Sports, Up and Running, Gatorade, Garmin, Virgin Money Giving, HSS Hire, Myers Lister Price Solicitors, National Careers Service, BiG Storage, 102 Capital FM and Trafford Council. Sponsoring supporters included Moving Comfort, Clif Bar, Cresta Court Hotel, Original Source, The Printworks, Virgin Active, Athlete Matters, Halo Headband UK, Land Rover, Breathe Unity and Marathon-Photos.
Go to www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further details, results and to register your interest in the 2013 race.