Kris Jones came out on top with an incredibly quick time of 63 minutes and 46 seconds
Around 11,000 runners descended upon a gloriously sunny Trafford this morning (Sunday October 9) for the Manchester Half Marathon. Competitors and spectators alike were treated to perfect weather and gorgeous blue skies for the 13.1 mile run through the streets of Sale, Stretford, and for the first time ever, Manchester city centre.
Kris Jones, of Swansea Harriers, came out on top with an incredibly quick time of 63 minutes and 46 seconds. James Tilley (Nantwich) and Chorlton's own Tom Charles came second and third respectively.
James' dad Neil Tilley was bursting with pride as he spoke with the Manchester Evening News after watching his son get silver. He said: "I'm so proud. It's his first year of proper marathon running and that's the fastest I've ever seen him. He came 25th in the full marathon earlier this year but this is his best result in a major race over here."
Stockport Harriers runner Mollie Williams won in the women's category for a second year in a row, with an impressive time of 73 minutes and 29 seconds. David Sinclair took the wheelchair half marathon crown, finishing in 84 minutes and nine seconds.
Competitors' friends and family created a great atmosphere throughout, with many bringing signs and cheering their loved ones on, while Manchester music from the likes of Oasis, Courteeners and M People blasted out of the PA system speakers at the start and finish lines.
Plenty of runners donned fancy dress and ran for charities, with the highlight probably being The Justice League's Wonder Woman, The Flash and Batman, running alongside Avenger Captain America. Despite athletes trying to better their own personal records, a couple of competitors stopped to help a runner named Andy Matthews over the line, when it became clear that he was struggling.
A gallery of photos from the race can be found below:
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