Greater Manchester Marathon truly back after 10 years

Race report: Greater Manchester Marathon - Sunday April 29, 2012

The Greater Manchester Marathon, back for the first time after a decade, saw just under 5,000 runners lining up at the start on Sunday 29th 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 went through Trafford Park, Sale, Brooklands, Timperley, Altricham, Dunham Massey, Partington, Carrington and Urmston before finishing in Stretford’s Longford Park, with some of the highlights including the Imperial War Museum, the new Media City, and views of Old Trafford.

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.

Considering the weather conditions these were excellent times achieved by the winners, and for the majority of the runners finishing the race was an achievement on its own. In true Manchester style the residents were not put off by the weather and lined the streets of their communities, showing their support for the event.

“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.

Simon Hill said “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. 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.

The official charities for the 2012 Greater Manchester Marathon were Henshaws Society for the Blind, The Christie Charitable Fund, Manchester United Foundation, 102 Capital FM Help a Capital Child and Shoot for the Moon as well as the national charities Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Organisers expect that a total of £1 million has been raised for the charities.

Men's results

Women's results

Go to www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for further details, results and to register your interest in the 2013 race