Going the distance!

THE Manchester Half marathon has returned to the streets of Manchester as 24,000 runners attempt to tackle the 13.1 mile route in support of charities and organisations.

- AMY WALKER

The runners set off from Old Trafford, heading through Hulme, the city centre, Stretford, Sale, Sale Moor, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Whalley Range and ending right back where it all began.

Supporters were encouraged to get involved in various cheer zones dotted around the route, and large screens live-streamed the event onto social media for those unable to attend.

At the start line first to set off was the elite wheelchair athletes. The atmosphere was a-buzz as the starting pistol sounded by David Brown as the crowd roared to life.

Following this, participants set off in roughly 10-minute intervals, depending on their allocated wave colour, until around 10.39am. As each wave made its way to the starting line, the crowd grew. Tension, nerves, excitement filled the air as each wave counted down.

Among them was urological surgeon Aziz Gulamhusein who was raising essential funds for The Christie Charity.