Member Article

Thousands show their love for Manchester

Thousands of runners took part in Sunday’s (10 July) UKFast We Love Manchester 10K at the Etihad Campus in East Manchester.

The event, known by runners as the ‘people’s race,’ welcomed approx. 3,000 runners of all ages and abilities and participants included Manchester’s Lord Mayor Councillor Carl Austin-Behan and running legend Ron Hill MBE.

The race started on the Regional Athletics Track before heading out through Sportcity and onto closed roads around the local area. Runners finished back at the Regional Athletics Track in front of cheering friends and family.

First to cross the finish line was Mohammed Aburezeq from Altrincham and District AC for the 5th consecutive year! In second place was Carl Hardman from Salford Harriers followed by Tarus Elly also from Salford Harriers.

In the women’s category, first place went to Kirsty Longley from Liverpool Pembroke and Sefton, followed by Emily Beedham in second place, and Kelly Edwards from Leamington Cycle and Athletics Club finished in third place.

Kevin Harmer, UK Events and Sponsorship Manager for the race commented: “It was great to welcome so many runners and supporters who made the day a huge success. We’d like to say thank you to everyone who competed in the race and to all our partners and sponsors for their support.

“The UKFast We Love Manchester 10K has continued to grow and is becoming one of the most popular races in the North West. We are still committed to ensuring it is a friendly race and we want our races to be an opportunity for friends, families and first time runners to enjoy the benefits of running.”

Manchester-based cloud provider UKFast was welcomed as the official title sponsor for this year’s race and entered a team of 100 runners to take part in the event.

Lawrence Jones, UKFast CEO added: “It was an incredible day for Manchester and for UKFast. Seeing so many smiling people of all ages out of bed, active and challenging themselves first thing on a Sunday morning, bouncing with so much energy was incredibly inspiring. Whilst Manchester has a series of 10k runs, this is a true family event and an opportunity to develop great fitness with children from an early age.

“Sponsoring the Manchester and Salford 10k runs has given the UKFast team a real appetite to set their goals and train hard before the City of Salford 10K in September. The team have really come together to train and help one another.”

The race was also supported by Virgin Atlantic Airways, Decathlon Stockport, Therapy First and Nature Valley.

Following the 10K event, the Toddler Trot welcomed over 200 children under the age of 8 who completed a lap of the 400m running track.

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sports Tours International .