A cold windy morning greeted the 36,000 runners for this race (part of the Bupa Great Run series), but thankfully the famous Manchester "liquid sunshine" was not present this year.
The race was big in more ways than one, broadcast live on television, it was won by Haile Gebrselassie in 28:02….though 23 seconds slower than last year due to the strong winds.
And behind him were a small contingent from Hyde Park Harriers
Sam Dooley finished in 329th place with a time of 39:57, having gone through 5km in 19:26. This was the first time he'd broken 40mins since 2001. Joe Hogg clocked 54:28 (26:37 5km split) to finish as 7965th male, and Kathryn Rafferty was the 8504th female to cross the line in a PB 70:36 (34:42)….a bigger beaming smile you will not see.
All three were running as part of a fundraising effort for the desk and chair foundation. Photos to follow.
Results
Male
329 Sam Dooley 39:57 (age category 26th)
7965 Joe Hogg 54:28 (age category 978th)
Female
8504 Kathryn Rafferty 70:36 (age category 1412nd)
Report by Sam Dooley
