Live Coverage Athletics: Great Manchester Run

Six days ago people went to a concert. 22 people, none of whom,

would return home. Almost a week on from the attack,

the heart of the city may have been broken but defiantly its spirit

hasn't. The whole country, the whole world has been incredibly moved and

hoping that the people of Manchester come together, united and strong.

Hello and welcome to this proud and passionate city where thousands of

runners, despite what has happened, take to the streets as part of the

Great Manchester Run. Those words spoken so memorably by

Tony Walsh will no doubt be carried by all around. This is the place, in

the north-west of England, it ace, it's in the songs that we sing, from

the bands in our bandstand, the whole planet shaking. Our inventions

our legends. They make brilliant bands, we make goals that make souls

leap from the stands. We make things from steel, and we make things from

cotton, we make people laugh, and we make you feel whole, we make you

feel welcome, we make something happen, we cannot seem to help it.

And if you're looking for history then yes, we have a wealth. But the

Manchester way is to make it yourself. And this is the place

where we first played as kids. And this is the place where our folks

came to work where they struggled in puddles. They hurt in the dirt. And

they built us a city. They built us these towns. So this is the place

now with kids of our own, some are born here, some drawn here. But we

all call it home. And they've covered the cobbles but they'll

never defeat all of the dreamers and schemers who still team through the

streets. Because this is a place that has been through some hard

times. Oppression, recession, depression and dark times. But we

keep fighting back with the Manchester spirit. The northern

greats. Manchester lyrics in these hard times...

CHEERING In the streets of our city. But we

won't take defeat. And we don't want your pity because this is the place

where we stand strong together with a smile on our face. Mancunians

forever. Because this is the place in our hearts, in our homes, because

this is the place that a part of our bones. Because Manchester gives us

such strength from the fact that this... Is the place.

CHEERING We should give something back.

Always remember, never forget, forever Manchester. Choose love,

Manchester, thank you. Welcome to Manchester, everybody. A

city that has been in the hearts and minds of all of us this week. And a

place that today very much plans on showing everybody just what it is

made of. I can tell you that the weather is almost perfect for a run

today. It's cloudy, it's cool. With a risk of drizzle. It wouldn't be

Manchester without it. But rain or shine the city is always going to be

united today. And unity has definitely been the theme of this

week. That poem you heard of the top of the programme resonated with so

many people. The man behind those words, the words, when no one else

had words, was Toby Walsh. Good morning to you. You have had the

most unbelievable week. Overwhelming the response. Cloudy and cool.

That's Manchester. Trying to show that. Many overwhelming things have

happened this week. Many overwhelming things have happened to

those families. Our thoughts are with them. That poem struck a chord.

It has been around the world. An amazing and moving reaction in

Manchester. It has given the city something to galvanise behind and it

shows the spirit of the place. So many people will be thankful for it.

People just beyond where you could see. Though that reaction was raw,

today is a reaction, isn't it? Absolutely. Some young girls took it

on themselves to pick up litter. There were young women in Saint Anne

's Square giving free hugs to people who had nobody. I have seen signs

saying free food. There were taxi drivers taking people home for free.

There are people offering cups of tea for free. That's the real

Manchester. You know this place. This is the place you call home.

There is such a strong identity. People are so proud to come from

here. A lot of this was basic human decency. It would have happened

anywhere. But we like to think there is a spirit here coming from our

history and community. We are galvanised in showing that this

week. There was no doubt people would come out in their droves

today. They are here. And you have another job today to do, haven't

you? Yes, I wrote a poem to the run a couple of years ago. -- yes, I

wrote a poem for the run a couple of years ago. I will perform it to the

crowd today. It is a privilege. Agree to speak to you. Today will be

special. For everybody who has used your guidance, thank you. Choose

love is the message. We would like you to get involved. Details below.

#runformanchester has had an amazing response. Louise MInchin has had an

interesting week. She was here straight after those awful events on

Monday night. She is here for the next few hours.

We have both been together this morning to Saint and square. And

what really struck me, being there, is that in this city still there are

places of quiet contemplation where people are going to pay tribute and

remember those victims. In contrast, just a couple of streets away I am

surrounded by runners, people out on the streets, to lend their support.

To stand up and be counted. They will make a difference today. The

decision as to whether this run would go ahead was probably a tough

one. Let's talk to a couple of guys in charge of that. Good morning. It

is quite something to be standing here today. I have stood on the

start line before. There is no fun excitement. Today a sense of

determination. Yes. This is going to be a serious day today. Not a

celebration, which it normally is. I think everybody will have the

injured, the dead, their families in their thoughts. But everybody

equally is coming out to say life in this city will go on as normal. We

will continue. This is a fightback from the people of Manchester. And

thousands of people from all over the country, as welcome who have

come here today. Rendon, you felt compelled, this had to go ahead in

some ways, didn't it? -- Brendan. Our request was all you in your

hands. Richard then told me immediately that it was a case of if

but how. We spent time with his team, police, emergency services, we

spent the week wondering if we could go ahead. Here we are going ahead.

We have had such fantastic leadership in this great city. If

you look behind us the lead is only -- if you look behind us, the people

of Manchester are next to them. It is amazing. As far as the eye can

see Varane runners ready. We also had the city Games. -- as far as the

eye can see we can see runners ready. People often stay away after

something like this because there is fear. In this city people have been

determined to conquer their fear and demonstrate their willingness to

come out. On Friday night we had more people than ever to watch the

city Games. Today Brendan was down at the finishing line for the

children's run, the half marathon. The finish line is already packed

out before this is even started. People absolutely determined to say

a message of defiance, strength, and a message of being together, all

ages, all races, all faiths. What else can we look out for? There is

serious competition. Some of the greatest athletes, the greatest

female athlete in history from Ethiopian, a world record holder,

three times Olympic champion, she is on the start line. She said earlier

that she does not speak great English and she said she is happy to

be here in Manchester. Lots of messages from people around the

world telling us thanks for going. Around the world people are looking

to this. The leadership in Manchester, Richard and his team,

have done an amazing job. We should all be proud of the leadership of

the city but also behind us. Are you proud to be here today? Very proud

to be here. Out of all of these people. The people lining the track,

the people running, they do this city proud. Good luck to them all.

Thank you for joining us. I know you have had an incredibly busy week.

The elite athletes have come, thousands of other people are in the

streets of Manchester to make their presence felt. It has really been

buzzing here. The noise that has been browsing through the city of

Manchester has been buzzing since the start of the morning. We have

Denise Lewis and Jay charmers who will be speaking to those special

people, every single one of them, for the duration of the programme.

Over to you. We have been set the task of

speaking to as many of these amazing runners as possible. This is your

first time, isn't it? It is. What a special year to get to begin my

journey. There is a really special energy in the air. It is defiance,

it is strength, it is wonderful. Would you have your own personal

account of living in an aftermath of such an atrocity? Six years ago

today, I was in a coma, flying back from Afghanistan, I had been injured

by an IED bomb blast. Sport helped me to recover. Mentally and

physically. The best thing about days like today it reminds you that

the best part of human strength is the ability to overcome adversity.

That is what today is all about. You can feel the sense of the people

overcoming the healing of this city. But also the individuals who will be

looking to the crowd around to push them through the barrier. You know

that better than anybody. Absolutely. It is about the people

of Manchester. Unity and solidarity, defiance in the face of adversity.

You are a great ambassador of that. It's a pleasure to speak to these

people today. It's going to be fun. Back to you.

We will be back to you shortly. Talking about special sporting

occasions, these two have been in many. Just before you go off to do

your own ten kilometres. I know it is nervous times for you, even

though you have been in a cup final. I would like to point out that he is

the one who has been in cup finals. I like that you are making are

spread out to be sporting heroes, but he is the man. Many people will

know that Manchester United were in Stockholm on Thursday for the

regular league final. They won it. It was a special but emotional

evening, wasn't it? Yes, everybody connected with United on the trip.

They wanted a win for the city. Thankfully the lads put in a great

performance. And deservedly won the trophy and dedicated it to everybody

who lost their lives in Manchester. That is exactly what Manchester

people are like. It's a great city. They pull together in adversity.

Unfortunately these things happen throughout the world now. But

thankfully United got into the Champions League and rewarded

everybody. There is a feeling here today, as well, that people don't,

people don't even have to talk about it today. There is a look and an

acknowledgement of what has happened this week. And at the same time, a

determination of everybody here to do this and do the city proud.

Despite the sporting rivalry which splits this town into red and blue,

there was a wonderful tweet sent out by Manchester City, earlier this

week: Very simple and a lovely way of

putting it. I was told today, the half marathon has already been run

today, in the half marathon somebody told me they ran with a guy who had

a city shirt on and a United scarf. That is what has happened. You have

been in your fair share of rivalries. But it is a special

place. Especially after something like that, this place comes

together. This has been a growing event over

the years and a fun day where everybody comes to enjoy themselves

and participate for the different charities and. That is brilliant

that people are coming out and hopefully everybody can just enjoy

the day today. It was an emotional night in Stockholm, you are part of

the coverage, and you talked about love and community, and stuff like

that that unites cities. Yes, and I think lots of cities will feel the

same as that happened in their city, leads: -- Leeds, Liverpool,

Newcastle. Cities are built on friendships and communities and

hopefully opportunities and Manchester is no different. As I

said on Wednesday night and as Tony Wilson said, a huge great of this

city, we just do things differently. You are both running for Manchester

charities, the Christie Hospital and the Kirsty foundation. Yes, Kirsty's

foundation has been going on for years and she's a wonderful girl so

it is fantastic. Enjoy it, I'm sure you will. He was my Boyhood hero, I

don't want to make him feel old! I can't stop smiling. We will enjoy

this moment for as long as we can. This has been my home for many years

and I'm sure these two will vouch for even after an atrocity like this

on Monday night, nothing would break the people of Manchester. But at

this. Events like the Great Manchester Run, it is important they

are going ahead, people have been working towards this for months and

it is an opportunity for people to come to Manchester and cheer

everybody. Keep going, the -- pick ourselves up. We will stand together

and keep going. I am immensely proud of Manchester and how people have

rallied together to show their true spirit. All we want to have in

Manchester is unity. People are not staying in their homes, they are not

afraid to be two people in the streets, everybody has come together

in a way that is really unique to Mancunians and Manchester. There is

so much love in the city and there always will be. We are Manchester.

We are Manchester. We are Manchester. We are Manchester. I am

here with Peter Hook, so many of you will remember him as the bass player

in Joy Division and New Order. You are running today. I am running yes,

I was looking forward to it until I got woken up this morning by Ocado

and I did not even order it! Important to run today? Yes, my

daughter was at the Arena on Monday and she luckily got out, fantastic.

Importance to support people and the grieving families, it is terrible.

You had a heart stopping moment any parent would have. The phone call

coming yes. My wife took it. I have never seen her crumbling in that

way. I was terrified, it really was awful. Has ceded you know she was

OK? She was home before it came on the TV. Her boyfriend this in

Chorlton and his mother picked her up and she got through and she was

in the car and she got out and she was in our house at 20 past 11. You

think she is back and safe but she has suffered all week, feeling

dreadful. I was at the hospital with her on Thursday and she is

suffering. She will not be alone in that. No, there is thousands and my

heart bleeds for the people and the parents that had to go through that.

It feels so personal, I have lived in the Northwest for five years and

we all know somebody who was there and she used to waiting at foyer.

Yes, a newsstand with the ticket touts, I was allowed to wait to go

to pick them up until she was 15 -- I used to stand. One of them was

really badly injured, I heard. To go down and see the support that St

Ann's Square, it is important to stick together and fight and do our

bit to make it easier and better for the people suffering. You have done

this run for many years. This is my 11th. There is a sense of excitement

and nerves and a real determination and poignancy. Yes, the people are

here to show support for everybody and it is fantastic. We're here for

charitable causes which is important, sadly we have to support

them and I am delighted to do Christie is again because it really

needs it. But we are here and we will do our best and hopefully try

and make everybody feel a little bit better. They're always tears at the

finish line and I suspect there will be more. Yes. Thank you, what time

do you hope to do is to mark somewhere under one hour! I think

you are being modest, thank you very much and have a very good run.

Thousands of people are behind us and ready to go. He is getting

nervous, you go. Denise is down there with the crowds. Great to see

you, I saw you on Friday night at the CityGames and I know you are not

running here, what are you doing here? Showing my support and I will

start some races so it will be interesting being on the starting

side and not the running site. You are here Friday, the atmosphere was

just incredible, what you think it will be like today? Amazing,

regardless, the fans are showing their support, everybody is here and

it will happen and we are making sure we stand firm and be strong for

Manchester. It was important the athletes came, they wanted to be

competing on Friday. Yes, definitely and happy the crowd is supporting

also because we do not want to be in the street by ourselves with nobody

to support so happy they came and we will do our best. The atmosphere is

incredible and everybody is looking forward to seeing you. Yes,

definitely, it's great Manchester is doing such a great job. We love this

event and I hope it will be here for many more years. It's great to see

you, as always. Thank you. I am with ours, this is your third attempt, is

there a different energy? Yes, definitely, quite emotional and

everybody has got the Mancunian spirits drunk so looking forward to

that. Thinking of the 22 and their grieving families and my city and

how they have pulled together any part of you felt like not coming? A

little bit, I was worried about my family supporting the tiny babies

but I believe in our city and we are stronger together and we need to be

here together. Good luck and make a family proud. We have a regular face

of the Great Manchester Run, Anthony Crolla with your boxing crew, you

are running with friends today. Monday night, you had a member of

your family at the concert. She all right? Yes, she is OK. She is

possibly one of the luckiest girls in the world. That night, she saw

some things nobody should have to see, never mind is 17-year-old girl.

As horrible as it sounds, seeing a body parts and being covered in

human flesh. Some of that will never leave her but she is doing well, she

is a tough girl. She does not sound lucky, but she was the luckiest girl

in the world that night. Like so many thousands here today, carrying

gone that spirit and you have done this run a number of times and like

every year, I'm sure it has a new meaning. I say it every year that

this run, this weekend is the greatest in the calendar year for

Manchester and despite what happens on Monday night, I believe it will

be bigger and better than ever this year and you can see the

togetherness of the city and the response, amazing. It makes you feel

like the proudest Mancunian there is. Scott, these guys champions here

and it would not take much to convince you to run today. I picked

the phone upside I will be part of -- I picked the phone up and I said

I would definitely be part of the team. We are out here and the great

of Manchester, everybody pulling together, so happy to be part of

this and running back best. You are warming up, we will not keep you

much longer. Any minute now, they will take to the streets of

Manchester, look out for them, I'm sure they will be fast. But quickly,

a lot of people remember a couple of years ago you in hospital fighting

for your life and this race was part of your rehabilitation and it was

important for you to be here as part of Manchester and big budget route.

Guess, that is what I meant about being a proud Mancunian. -- and they

pulled Jeet through it. I can't do too much running but I make sure

every year by do this run and so many great causes people to run for

and that is why the city supports it the way it does. Enjoy it, you do

every year and that is why you keep coming back. So much installed by

you, this is what is coming up. -- so much in that store for you.

So many people here to do this race. This is John Bishop. You are not

going to run a bolster no, I just had stitches out my leg yesterday,

that was not an excuse, I have no training. Ayn Rand this race ten

years ago and I have not done a 10k since but I wanted to be among this

body of people -- I ran. It has affected throughout the North West,

throughout the cities? Yes, and it has shown what we are about, it has

brought people together. For me personally, it Manchester gave me a

every thing I hold dear. At Kent University here, I lived here over

20 years, and met my wife here, had children here, started stand-up

comedy here. Another venue and I have played it a number of times and

I will do in the autumn. Everybody can imagine themselves in this

position and it is what we are about. There is more of is done them

and we will not get beat, this is what we are about. You say more of

us, look down that road, it is extraordinary. And every person I

had that decision whether to come or not this morning and they have made

that decision as an act of defiance that we are bigger than you and we

will not change what is dear to us. Everybody here and the supporters

standing up and being counted. Yes, and unity. You look down the line

and there is every creed and every colour and every size. People here

making a statement and that statement will resonate across the

country. You said you have run it before but it will be different

today in many ways? Yes, because I will probably walk it! John, there

is no shame in walking. It is totally different. This is not about

the race all your time, it is about being here and that is what

everybody feels. Thank you so much and you are here because one of your

concerts was cancelled? Yes, I postponed a couple on Tuesday and

Wednesday, and we had a We Love Manchester won last night, me and

Jason Mumford, and we postponed that, but we will do it again -- and

we had a charity gig last night. Good luck and enjoy it.

John Bishop one of many faces that made sure they were here in

Manchester to be part of this special occasion and we will speak

to ask many as we can for the duration of the programme and the

35,000 runners as part of the Manchester 10k. The excitement is

steadily building and everybody is looking forward to getting started

and it is almost time for the elite women's race, Brendan Foster already

talked about the great Tirunesh Dibaba of Ethiopia and a contender

for Great Britain, Gemma Steel. Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe will

be talking us through this. Thank you, good morning, everybody.

But we will talk more about the masses when they get going in 15

minutes but with the elite men. Before that, it is the opportunity

for the elite women to set up in this very special event this year.

We mentioned Tirunesh Dibaba to the left of the picture and she has a

field, I don't think many of them will think they can beat Tirunesh

Dibaba but they will all be looking for their own performances. Katrina

Wootton, coming back to is a very good form and she ran well in the

10,000 metre trials for the World Championships in London last week.

But one of our great young talent is a couple of years ago and she's

coming back into her own. Sophie Duarte, of France. But two very

experienced French athletes here, form a cross-country champion and

her team-mate, a couple of years older, in the over 40 bracket,

Christelle Daunay, European marathon champion from 2014. Gemma Steel, it

has been a difficult couple of years for her and it looked as though she

really was having a burgeoning career on the roads and to the

marathon and she has put the marathon to one side for the time

being and she will take on one small the great Tirunesh Dibaba, the

defending champion here in Manchester, it is so good to see her

here in any year, but this year in particular. The stars coming out to

support everybody else and they know they take second billing this

morning. The way they go. The elite women's

race gets underway. The roads are clear. A big crowd is expected. We

can see them ourselves already out there. All along this route they

will be cheered. It is a good morning from Paula Radcliffe. Good

morning. I apologise, it is actually afternoon now. Good afternoon to

everybody. Especially to the people out there waiting to support the

runners around this course. And also waiting to get started. And to

complete this event and complete this run. And to get on with what

makes us all feel better. Just to show that we are going to carry on.

And just to show that life goes on and to show the spirit, as well.

Straightaway, it is good to see the fighting spirit, Katrina is in good

shape and an old mate of mine from Bedford. She raced very well at

Highgate in the British ten kilometres. She just missed

qualifying. But she did qualify for the European cup in Minsk later this

month. She will be hoping to improve on the time there. She probably will

not stay with the favourite for long, but it is good to say. This is

the familiar route. Hats off to everybody. We will talk about this

later, but it has been a big logistical exercise to make sure the

event goes ahead today. It is the same route. A couple of changes

around Old Trafford. That is when they know they have reached halfway.

They turn around the Salford quays area. Then just across the way, when

they come back to Mancunian Way, they will see the runners going in

the opposite direction. 35,000 people here, not everybody can be on

the course at the same time, but those roads will become covered with

runners for the duration of the afternoon. This is Deansgate. Friday

was emotional. It was a great afternoon. A lot of the elite

athletes said how delighted they are to be here.

There is always a quarry contingent here. We are on any moment... To be

fair, everybody would want to be near you guys. -- there is always a

Corrie contingent here. It's been an emotional week for everybody.

Especially for you guys. It was a heartfelt reaction you had on Monday

night, wasn't it? It really was. We all went into work on Tuesday. The

place is normally chipper and happy. We'll -- and we all greet each other

normally. It was a different vibe. You guys have decided to do

something on the set to commemorate the 22, haven't you? Yes, we have a

bench going on Coronation Street, which will be dedicated to the 22

people who lost their lives. It is so important for us to do this. We

are in Manchester programme, we are Manchester people, we have been

affected just like everybody else here today. Lots of people will know

about Martyn Hett, one of the people who died, who was a massive fan of

Coronation Street. He was a big fan of Deidre Barlow. I met him once. He

showed me his tattoo of Deidre Barlow. I didn't know what to say.

Everybody who knew him knew he was a lovely lad and we will all miss him.

He was one of the guys everybody talked about having his life cut

short. He lived life to the fullest. A lot of you are running for the

Manchester Children's Hospital. The fact there were so many children

affected, as well. We were already running for the Children's Hospital

prior to what happened on Monday. But now we feel that it is even more

of a reason for us to get behind the hospital. A lot of the sick children

were taken there. And the care they have given has just been

unbelievable. We are proud to be running for them today. It is great

to see all of you. I know it gets competitive onset, but let's see if

we can keep it as civil as possible. Keep it under wraps. Great to see

you. Denise? Tell me who you are running for.

This is my mum's first-ever ten K. I'm proud of her. We are here to

support her. Running for a cancer charity is really personal for us.

We started doing this race about four years ago. This is a personal

day. The charity is close to our hearts. Mum, are you feeling

nervous? Not yet but I think I might be shortly when it starts. Batman

said you are an important person. It has been a real challenge. I am

looking forward to it, really. This is your own personal challenge but

you're also raising money for this fantastic charity. Definitely. And

they are going to spur you on, the supergiants. We will try, we will

try and keep up. We might have to fly. It is great to be part of this

atmosphere today? Always fantastic. After everything that has happened.

The people are out. You can feel the love of it all. It is a great crowd,

as ever. Fantastic. Enjoy it. A great bunch of super heroes there.

Everybody a superhero today. And in terms of athletics, one of the

greatest of all time is already out there. Katrina stayed with her in

the early stages. Very brave. She really has attacked this early

on. Yes, she is up on a course record pace. When she ran it she ran

slow in the first half. She is well up on that pace. If the wind has not

changed since my run this morning, she was running into a headwind,

which makes it more impressive. Katrina tried to go with her but she

has settled back. That means Katrina will be running on her own for the

rest of this race pretty much because she is well ahead of the

chasing pack behind her. It is currently being

led by... Let's go back to the start of the race with Louise.

I know you can see this on your television. It is heart stopping in

some ways to look at this beautiful street and see so many thousands of

people behind us. Having done this run myself a couple of times before,

this is a nervous and exciting moment. At every single person you

can see has made their own individual decision when they woke

up this morning to come out and less than a week after that horrific

attack, to come out here onto the streets of Manchester. It is a

poignant moment. Over in St Ann's Square there was quiet,

contemplation, and still people in tears this morning as they go there

to pay tribute to the victims. I am going to tell you what is going to

happen. There will be a minute's silence before every single wave in

this race today. We will take that first minute 's silence. We will

stay with the runners as they do that. And we will also hear the

words from Tony Walsh. He will be reading the poem called Do

Something. We will now have a minute's silence for the victims of

the attack. Thank you, Manchester.

APPLAUSE As we know, as we've shown the

world, this is the place where we do something. Do something to show them

what you're made of. Do something you've never done before. Do

something to be what you're afraid of. Do something to make your

spirits soar. Do something to get your heartbeat pounding, pounding,

pounding. Do something with all your heart and soul and rock and roll. Do

something to show we are astounding. Do something and this is how we

roll. Do something to match a city's greatness. Do something through

sunshine and through rain. Do something to say we need to hate

less. Do something through courage and through pain. Do something for

someone that you care for. Do something to help out with the cost.

Do something for someone that you're there for. Do something for someone

that you've lost. Do something to tell someone you love them. Do

something then for someone who has gone. Do something for those with

none above them. Do something for someone who lives on. Do something

to stand out from the crowd. Do something to keep a dream alive. Do

something to make a city proud and do something to shout hope will

survive. Do something to show you don't surrender. We don't surrender.

Do something for those we owe a debt. We thank you. Do something a

city will remember. Do something the world will not forget. Do something

for this great city's story. Do something and show them how it's

done. Do something for love. In all its glory. Do something, for greater

Manchester, do something, the Great Manchester Run, and make it live

forever. Do something, the Great Manchester Run. Choose love. Have a

fantastic Manchester day. APPLAUSE

Ladies and gentlemen, Tony Walsh, AKA Longfella. Inspiring words from

Tony Walsh. Lots has been written and said about the resolve of

Manchester this week. Now it is their chance to show their unity and

determination to carry on. It will begin one step at a time that they

will move forward. And today they all move forward together.

Individually, but as one. It is all about 35,000 taking part and the

rest of the city hosting them. Also appreciate the elite athletes at the

front. Here we go, the Great Manchester Run!

And there will be an outpouring of emotion at the end for most of these

people but for the next 10k, it is a chance for them to reflect and for

everybody watching. It is also a chance to show what this city is

about, what it is made of and what its people are about. As we have

been saying all morning, it is simply incredible that so many have

turned up here today. They have not been cowed by events. They are

respectful and they remember all of those who suffered so tragically.

And the city has been an inspiring place to be over the last two days.

And of course, they are not all Mancunians. They have come from

around the UK and some have come from different parts of the world.

And nobody wanted to miss this special day. And a special word

should be given not only to those who organised the event and of

course it has been a week of a lot of hard work for people, but I think

what everybody is saying, as ever, it is the emergency services and who

were challenged so much this week. And also, there are a big part of

today and so many thanks going to them from all of these people and

people watching as well. But the event goes on, as it has done in the

over the last few years. An event which has grown with the city, and

an event which has always shown of the best of Manchester. But today,

more so than ever. Apollo, you said you out running this morning, and

running is such a big part of hearing for a lot of people. When we

see big events like this, and we always say it's great to see so many

people out running, but you and I, this is how we end our living for

some years. Today, and other occasions, we think about the Boston

Marathon a couple of years ago and it is a way for people to show their

love for the city and their respect as I said earlier for all those who

suffered. Yes, absolutely. I think sport and running in particular

demonstrates humanity in a way that will always come back to the fall

and so many people bold turned to running to celebrate happiness and

to heal and to recover and show that spirit will go under and it will

fight on and humanity, will always be stronger than acts which try and

defeat that human spirit -- that spirit will go on. To celebrate

today and get along the course even if they are not taking part and in

their own new quake, to move on in a way that will always remember those

people, those people who suffered. To show that human spirit which will

always win. Where we will be concentrating today is the masses

but we should not ignore the elite racers. We have that here in

Tirunesh Dibaba in one of the greatest, if not the greatest

distance runner. And she is going quick and that is the time she set

when she made the record here. She did speed up dramatically in the

second part. She started quick today. Katrina Wootton with her for

the first kilometre but she has dropped back and is being chased by

the group with the two French athletes Christelle Daunay and

Tirunesh Dibaba and Gemma Steel and Mitchell from Ireland. Katrina

Wootton looking glowingly in second place and those chasing her 20

seconds behind at the moment. She may be able to rally and catch, but

Tirunesh Dibaba looking very strong. It is only five or six weeks since

that incredible run of hers in the London Marathon where she pretty

much run to complete exhaustion and she was in a lot of difficulty in

the closing mile. She is bouncing back now and that is has six

kilometre in 3:2. So picking up as she did join the course record and

she has recovered fully almost from the London Marathon and she is ready

to build on that and to begin her tracks campaign with earnest. She is

shifting along and that is one of the quickest kilometres. She looks

behind and there is nothing to see. She will see the elite men in the

opposite direction and that might be what she saw, she had a look at the

showers, not quite a day for the showers. It is perfect. Ore said we

have nice temperatures for racing and a little bit of a breeze. It was

quite windy in Manchester yesterday, but that has settled down. Tirunesh

Dibaba very much, as Paula were saying, after the London Marathon,

she has her sights set on the marathon these days, but she is

still a real talent is to be reckoned with on the roads as well

over ten kilometres. Anything under 31 minutes is very good, obviously.

I don't think she will be far away from that. Her record of 30, it

would be something if she was to achieve that. Something around 31

minutes is probably more likely. When she ran that, she came back...

She is not far from that, but maintain that over the next four

kilometres is tough and it is like a training run for her from this

point, although she will have a lot of support. But it is hard to keep

pushing when you are bouncing back from a marathon she ran a couple of

weeks ago and also when you had the race won and real focus is on

building for the season ahead. This is cutting back to the European

marathon champion from 2014 Christelle Daunay who has Katrina

Wootton in her sights. And hopefully Katrina can rally a bed and stay

with her, but Christelle Daunay looking strong, she has been running

strongly in a long time, her personal best times all run since

2010 so she came on the very late in her career, but maintaining that

form. This is the front of the men's race, we did not get a chance to

talk about the men's runners. That is Dathan Ritzenhein. Birmingham,

the tall figure from Australia. At the back of the group, Andy Vernon.

And Wilson Kipsang, the winner of the London Marathon and win of the

Tokyo Marathon the ship. He will not be contesting the World

Championships. And also in there, Stephen Mokoka. They are not hanging

around. Dathan Ritzenhein deciding the good policy for him today is to

get out and to lead this. That is the way that Dathan Ritzenhein runs

most of his races, he got sit out and he gets out there and does a

runner does, he personifies that Manchester fighting spirit. He lays

it all on the line. Into a strong headwind, he is pushing hard in this

race and dragging the others with him. Early stages of the men's race,

Tirunesh Dibaba heading down in the opposite direction the dual

carriageway, but back to the start with Louise. I am here with the

outgoing Lord Mayor who is very famous around these parts and the

incoming Mayor and now the new Mayor of Manchester City macro. --

Manchester, Andy Burnham. An extraordinary day to be here in

Manchester. It is an extraordinary day to be here, this is the spirit

of Manchester you can feel. The people are sending a message to the

terrorists and extremists, you are not going to beat us and change who

we are and what we do and we are going to move forward from here

together. It has been an exceptionally difficult week for

everybody. This place will get through it and go forward together.

You are very fond of this city. Yes, this is the 15th year of the run for

Manchester, the Great Manchester Run. It brings the crowds out. And

the different charities. Originally, I was running for the We Love

Manchester We Love Manchester and dandy for the homeless charity we

set up and it was more poignant to come together and raise money for

the We Love Manchester emergency funds with the red crows -- with the

Red Cross and the Manchester Evening News. But yesterday, it was ?5.7

million that was raised. Everybody has their own reasons for running

today but I think this was really important for the people of

Manchester and so many people came to say they were running it as a fun

run and now they are raising money as well, so really important and

that brings a city together. Leg different things going on in the

city. St Ann's Square is still in place for moments of quiet. Yes, it

is. People are responding in the way they want to respond. Everybody is

feeling the togetherness and being with each other and being around the

city together. That is really helping people through what is a

difficult time. Next week, we have to move on again and we need to

start talking about how we go forward from here and how we work

together to tackle the extremism in our society. In a way that is due to

Manchester, which is not about letting the terrorists or people

divide us. We have to hold onto the spirit this week. And everybody

behind us, and look at the thousands, they will have made their

own individual decisions about why they want to be here. I know, and

they are making a point of being here and last night, young people

made a statement they wanted to be there. They are saying you are not

going to changes, and that is such a powerful message to send out this

weekend. Always an amazing atmosphere, not what you expect

today? I'm expecting about 52, 55, timewise. That is what I said

originally. You can hear a heavy cold and this is my politician's

excuse I am getting in first! I can't believe I am hearing this! You

can, how many politicians have you interviewed over the years? But I

will give it my best. We're hoping for the smiles at the end of the

race. I've been there will be a mixture and emotions will come out,

but that is a good thing and people should let their emotions out -- I

think there will be a mixture. A lot of people have been his and Tuesday

morning and this is the first time a lot of people who have come to the

city since Monday night to show defiance and to see what it is about

and that is what is really important, but that everybody has

come together and we are united. I can't speak to any more, you have a

race to run. JJ is out in the crowd with so many different people. I am

with Chorlton runners, they are local to this. This must be an

important occasion today. This, this week's events, they have come home.

We have decided to wear these patches in solidarity, we are doing

what we love and we will carry on with life as normal which is

important. We will run proud. But you will be running together or

going for personal times? We might start off together, not sure how we

will finish! We will give it a go! Is there really is a special energy

around here today? Yes, with the emotions and everything, it is this

week. Because we are all local and it means so much, yes, it is going

to be emotional. I take it there was no part of you

that thought about not coming today? Not at all, no, we are all here in

solidarity to give out a message to everybody. You can't let things like

this stop you live in your normal life, you can't allow it. Best of

luck today, hopefully you will finish together and I'm sure you

will cheer each other on at the finish line regardless.

Good luck to the Chorlton crew, in the men's race, it is as she were,

those five still at the front, Birmingham doing his stint with

Dathan Ritzenhein. At Wilson Kipsang going well. But dropping off, Andy

Vernon. He will be running in a couple of weeks' time to get the

10,000 metre qualifying time for the World Championships. So they are

approaching halfway, the men. In the women's race, it is all about

Tirunesh Dibaba and she has been getting quicker towards the end. We

said she would aim at around 31 minutes and she will be very close

to that, she's into the last kilometre and she will soon be able

to see the railway bridge on the opposite side of en Deansgate and

that is about 200m to go, not long before she will be able to see that.

And another display from Tirunesh Dibaba,, as strong as ever and

clicking along at about 35 per kilometre.

She looks nowhere near term full effort. The closing stages of the

London Marathon, we remember, she was struggling and pushing her body.

She looks different. She obviously recovered. Textbook display of how

to bounce back from that and get your legs turning over at a quicker

speed in preparation for the track season. It is important for her to

move on from that and support Manchester, as well. She will be

aiming for the finishing line. She would have had a time in mind to

shoot close to. But she would have just wanted to see that her legs

were responding well. Wootton is paying for starting off so fast, she

has come back at it. This is just under the railway bridge. I can see

the crowd or move into the barriers to cheer Tirunesh Dibaba. This is a

familiar sight in Manchester. They are so pleased she is here, along

with everybody else, of course. Tirunesh Dibaba sprinting home as

she always manages to do. Still looking pretty fresh. She wins the

great Manchester ten K just outside 31 minutes. Maybe no harder than a

training run, but by anybody's standards that is world-class

racing. A little smile from Tirunesh Dibaba. Another superb performance

from her. Acknowledging the crowd. She has friends of the crowd, as

well. She has become a great friend of Manchester. I'm sure she would

not have wanted to have missed this race today. Bishoo is also an

Arsenal fan. She will have been happy watching yesterday. -- she is

also an Arsenal fan. Quickly back in the men's race. Pushing on hard

here. Birmingham in the centre, the tall figure in blue and pink, was

pushing it on a little bit earlier. Now it is the South African multiple

champion over multiple distances. He knows these Manchester streets very

well. He is keeping the pace honest and moving along strongly to the 250

range. He has picked up a 249 and a 246. A respectable pace. And Lagat

is bouncing back. He raced in Monza a couple of weeks ago.

She is applauding the crowd. A great gesture from the Frenchwoman. France

have had so many atrocities to deal with. The Diamond league had to

follow on. Many of the athletes are aware of that atrocity on that

particular occasion. Daunay applauding the home crowd. Wootton,

as well. A tough race for Katrina. She had a real go with Tirunesh

Dibaba. Jenner, a pretty solid run from her, she comes over the line in

this place. -- Gemma, a pretty solid run from her. You would be excused

for thinking that Tirunesh Dibaba had not been out for a fast run this

morning. She looks relaxed. But she always looks like that. All

throughout her track career. And now even when she is running the

marathon. It is difficult to tell when she is tired. Thing is warming

up in the men's race. Lagat enjoying racing on the roads in the latter

part of his career. Does not have to worry about the speed on the cake.

But if he is hanging around towards the end he will be looking to use

that. Mokoka not running that well over the winter. But he did a pretty

good ten K in South Africa recently. Much better than the performances he

had had up to that. The last race showing he has been coming back into

it. His exploits in the marathon have been disappointing recently. A

non-finisher in the American trials last year. I think in New York he

didn't finish in October. A difficult year. Yes, David is one of

those athletes who has really struggled, showing huge potential,

but he is probably the perfect half marathon runner. He has struggled to

move up to the marathon distance. He suffered a lot with cramp, getting

his refuelling strategy is right. But he is a formidable race over ten

kilometres and the half marathon. He started his career with success back

in 2001. He was on the podium. For an American Junior coming through,

it was a big deal. He has built on his career, but has not been able to

reflect that on the world stage, or at Olympic level. When he races in

events like this it shows how much he is prepared to fight. It is all

about the management of the race, rather than racing the clock, which

is important, as he is realising. Lagat looks comfortable. He has been

watching the runners in the opposite direction. I the others aware of

that. Mokoka had a look. Lagat looks the most comfortable at this stage.

Before a ten K, you would do a three kilometres and a five kilometres. He

did that. And he said he would push on hard and make the others race to

the line. Help his countrymen as much as possible. He was doing that

in his training. He was talking about wanting to come here and

perform well. It has always been enjoyment for Lagat. But now he can

pick the events which means something to him and enjoy doing

that. He is very much doing that today. The guys around him will be

very aware he is sitting in the middle and he is, by far, the

quickest finisher of the three. Ritzenheim pushing on. Will it be

his year? Will Lagat, could do it? Meanwhile, back at the start, we

have different waves, as you are probably aware, lots of people

taking part. This is the Manchester United versus T Way -- this is the

Manchester United versus this is the Manchester University

way. Do you think you will keep your mask on all the way round? Maybe,

maybe halfway. It would be success if you manage to keep it on?

Definitely. How has today been? It has been good. I went to Saint and

square. It was touching. Hammy times have you done this? -- I went to

Saint Anne 's Square. Six, seven times. -- I went to St Ann's Square,

it was touching, it was sad. How many times have you done this? Six,

seven times. Best of luck, Leonardo. Ritzenheim is really pushing. Lagat

is hovering. He is working hard but he knows every step is moving into

his territory. Because in the last 200 metres would be surprised if he

did not break away. But he is his best. Ritzenheim is no slouch. Lagat

is really fast. But it is different to finishing 1500 metres on a track.

He knows he has less than three minutes of running. He needs to

throw everything at Lagat to get some daylight. If he is still

sitting on his shoulder, or moving alongside him, as he is threatening

to do now, then Ritzenheim is in trouble. When you have been running

as fast Lagat as, an Olympic medallist, showing that 1500 metres

runners are endurance athletes. But on the roads, at this pace, he is

competitive. For Ritzenheim, it has always been around

the 2.45 mark. Mokoka looks tired. The tall Australian has not raced

that much in 2017. He is chasing down for third. Lagat Cannot hold

on. Ritzenheim has done what he has been trying to do. He cannot hold

on. He hasn't got it yet because Lagat is still going. You can see

how much it means to Ritzenheim. It has been a turbulent time for him.

Lots of things going on back in the US. Very happy to come here and let

his feet and legs do the talking and go out and race hard and run away

from that and celebrate it with a strong run here. Ritzenheim from the

USA. Not a lot to cheer over the last 12 months. But he had a big win

at the American road championships. And he has come to Manchester on

this emotional day. And what they win it is going to be for him. He

keeps checking behind, because he is expecting Lagat to charge. He won't.

The American will come home to win the great Manchester ten K.

Ritzenheim is this year's champion. 28 minutes and six seconds his final

time. A good performance from Ritzenheim. Lagat take second. One

better than last year. He thought he would be able to hang on for the

kick, but he can't. Mokoka just ahead of Birmingham. The last

kilometre was two minutes 50. It is slightly uphill. Andy Burnham just

crossing the line, as well. You will have enjoyed that, Paula. The person

at the front, running hard. Just looking at him. Showing Brendan

Foster how much it means to him to be here. To be able to come here. To

start... It is some campaign. He has been racing really well on the roads

this year. But to celebrate that with a victory over a tough field.

He beat Lagat and well by making it a race to his strengths. As running

strong out there. And really pushing and taking a race to him. And being

able to come away with a victory means a huge amount to Ritzenheim.

Skull and just crossing the line from Ireland. -- Scullon just

crossing the line from Ireland. I think a lot of these guys will have

personal bests today. It was hard for Ritzenheim. He knew

what he had to do. You always admire a distance runner who applies

himself in such a way over the last couple of kilometres. Trying to get

rid of one of the best in terms of kicking, Lagat. Look how much it

means to Ritzenheim. Big for him. Something for him to cheer about

after a difficult year for him. Is a rather tired Bernard Lagat in

second place. So the results today. Earlier, we had two wheelchair

races. But Simon Lawson was a very good winner, from Great Britain. In

the women's race, a personal best for Lizzie Tench in first. And we

sort an emphatic win by Tirunesh Dibaba over Christelle Daunay,

world-class running once more from the Ethiopian. Katrina Wootton went

with Tirunesh Dibaba early on and paid for that rather. The winning

time went to Dathan Ritzenhein, aggregate time would mean less than

the win. Great performance from here am -- from him. And once more doing

well in Manchester, Stephen Mokoka. Just ahead of Collis. And in sixth

place, Andy Vernon. And very happy day for Dathan

Ritzenhein of America and another masterclass by Tirunesh Dibaba. We

have relocated from the start to the finish of the 10k and some of the

retread is making their way over the finish line to rapturous applause.

We are just next to the Beetham Tower and the Hilton hotel in the

centre of Manchester and I need not have set an alarm this morning

because the noise from here since about eight got this morning has

been huge. When the masses take to the roads shortly, they are really

going to feel it. It is a special occasion and I think the Sun might

just be making its way out as well. But there has been so much action

already today because for the very first time, as well as the elite

races and the 10k, we also had our very first half-marathon in

Manchester. It got under way at about nine o'clock in the morning

and they are trying to expand this festival of a sporting weekend that

includes the CityGames we saw on Friday as well. And as you can see,

the mascots are here and children. We had children's races. Children as

young as three taking part in the junior race and the older people

round in the 2.5 kilometre junior event. About 2,000 people taking

part in a new central location in Manchester. So everybody wanting to

take a piece of the special events. We know what it it is against a

backdrop of in Manchester but as the afternoon has gone on, everybody

enjoying what is a very special sporting occasion every year. But it

is about time the nervous masses took to the streets of Manchester.

Thousands of them are ready and thousands signed up after the events

we had on Monday night, and so many looking forward to taking in the

atmosphere and the occasion. So back to you Paula Radcliffe and Steve

Cram, it is going to be a special afternoon.

For many, it has not started. We still have areas waves to get under

way. As I said, so many people taking part in this 10k, they have

to be staggered across a couple of hours. The rest of the afternoon,

they will still be coming across the finish line and the streets will

continue to be filled by these inspiring people. A lot of people

taking part, of course, thinking about everything that happens this

week. As ever, raising money for charity. Just mentioning Brigid

Caldwell, running her first 10k today, and she is running for

Christie's. So good luck to her. Keep your messages coming in. It is

an inspiring sight at the best of times. But the week that we have had

here in Manchester, today, you can't help but admire everybody that has

turned out today. Both Tehran and to watch. -- both running and watching.

As I said, there are so many inspiring stories and we can't tell

them all but we can let you know about some, this is an inspiring

young man from Rochdale. My name is Azeem Amir, I am 18 and a

blind runner, I have a visual impairment which means I have no

site in my right eye and a bit bit of perception in my left. I don't

let it stop me in sport or on the academic side and I have used it to

my advantage to inspire and motivate others to say that if I can do it,

why can't you? The ambition is to play for my country, to represent my

country in the sport that I love and not allowed the fact that I have got

no site to act as a barrier. If fully able-bodied players can resent

their country, with a visual impairment and a disability, why

can't I? Participation within sport has made me a more well rounded

person and increased my confidence and I have lead a lot of lessons

which if I had been more of an introvert and not experienced

different sports, were not. I did the Manchester 10k run last year

with my guide, Sam Hinchcliffe, we use a skipping rope and he leads the

way with verbal commands and uses the rope to tell me which way we are

going next. Running with a partner makes it much more fun and

interesting and quite funny sometimes. I basically wanted to

give something back to the Royal eye Hospital for the amount of care and

support they have given me and my family for the last 18 years. They

give people the ability to be independent because site is such a

factor, it is one of your main senses. And they try and preserve

that as much as they can and they want to give somebody the virginity

to live their life to the maximum. With the events that have occurred

this week, as long as every single person completes the 10k with a

smile on their face, it will have been a huge success, showcasing what

Manchester has to offer to the world.

And it is lovely hearing Azeem Amir talking about the smiles because I

have a unique vantage point standing here and when the runners run past,

they do so either side. Blind We have had to waves of the masses

going past and every person I have seen has been smiling, it is

immensely powerful. If you would like to do a 10k and you want to

start smaller than that, there are lots of ways you can start and it

does not have to be running, it could be Triathlon, swimming,

whatever, and he is more information about how to get inspired.

This is BBC sport's campaign to help you get active. You can find

inspirational stories from people just like you and hints and tips and

practical guides to help you give something a go. There is an activity

binder to help you find something to try near you. Just get up, get

inspired and get active. There was a bit earlier, he spoke to

somebody running this 10k today and only in April last year, she could

only run for one -- from one might post to another, so there is

potential for everybody. And this is a special way, are they going to

give me a wave? JJ can tell us why this is a little bit special, how

extraordinary! We have a very special group and a

very special wave, the purple wave. The key, what is the purple wave? It

is a mass entry from the University of Manchester, we got 1100 people

last year for the first year and we got 2,500 people this year. Staff,

students, wearing purple, just brilliant. So you have people from

all over the world probably. You are not from Manchester, but how special

is Manchester now you are part of it? Coming to Manchester just under

two years ago, I have felt such a community, I feel like I really

belong here and there is a friendliness in Manchester which

does not exist anywhere else. I am from the South and Manchester is so

much more happy and warm and more bubbly than anywhere else. Today is

a massive challenge and you are doing it just like a bee, what is

the relevance? The bee is the University's mascot for many people

and for me, it is a reason to run quite slowly and is to raise some

money. The purple wave, you are raising money, what are we trying to

support today? It is to raise money for all sorts of things and one

cause special to the University is a scholarship programme for students

from Africa so a what others raising money that today. Best of luck to

all of you and in a bee suit and everybody from Manchester

University. Well done, so many students and

staff. Over 2,000. They will be heading off shortly.

And we look at those coming across the finish line and I was watching a

couple of people, on a day like this, still looking at their

watches, they still want a personal best and to perform well. Chilton

runners holding hands crossing the line. That will continue throughout

the afternoon. This is another story now to look at. You mentioned one

university, there are two and this is about a student from Manchester

Metropolitan University. My name is Jessica Dyer and this is

my run. I am running the 10k for a mental health charity Mind because I

have had my own battles with mental health, starting from 11 years old.

That spiralled into five years of self harming. And depression. For

me, the easiest way to explain it would be darkness. It feels like

everything has a grey cloud over it and everything just feels dark. I

couldn't find joy in anything. The number of people that tell you to

stop doing something rather than asking you how you feel while trying

to understand why, that was the biggest problem. It culminated in a

couple of suicide attempts. And the final one was the point at which I

was like, this really is not OK. That feeling is of you are ready to

leave everything and everyone behind them, it is actually quite scary to

know that I was at that point where nothing at all mattered to me any

more. When I decided, actually, I want to engage with the help that I

had already been receiving for a period of time, I engaged with it

and I decided, I want to get better for me. Since then, I have just been

trying to surround myself with happiness. But I think this run that

will be the first of many and I can sense that this is the start of me

getting out there and doing as much as I can now. I am halfway to a

degree and doing this 10k, I am reaching for as many different

opportunities as I can and I can actually see a future now whereas

this time six, seven years ago, the future for maiden was not to live

any more. So incredibly proud of myself for what I have achieved and

what I will keep achieving. You two can't keep away from each

other! I saw you on Friday at the CityGames and you are running here

today, how has it been? It was great the atmosphere was amazing. Forget

about the time, but that was just about Manchester, the Manchester bee

and saluting the crowd, they were wonderful. Amazing reception as you

crossed the line. But who crossed the line first? Me, and this

occasion. It was incredible, the support, Manchester has come out to

support everybody today and it was incredible, I really enjoyed it.

Just put into context what a day like this and means to the runners

and the crowds. I really can't, it is just in the last week, the

outpouring of kindness and people coming together and being defiant,

it has just been amazing. This is an amazing city and I am just so proud

to be here and to be running in this event, it is just amazing. Well cool

down and well done and good to see you both.

Ella, you were running this morning, how was it? It was fantastic. And

you have run it four times, haven't you? Yes. Why are you running it? I

want to help the Children's Hospital and make people proud. That's

because you spend a lot of time in hospital yourself, don't you? Your

mum is here and you finally persuaded her to run. Yes. How far

are you going to run? Ten kilometres. Have you run far before?

This will be my first time. Are you nervous? Yes, just hoping I can get

over the finish line. Hopefully the atmosphere and adrenaline will help

me. Tell us about the hospital you are raising money for. Manchester

Children's Hospital. Ella has been treated there since she was four.

She will need it throughout. It was our second home for a time. Thank

you just doesn't do enough. And we know that loads of people were

treated there Monday night. Yes. The majority. They just do amazing work.

They stopped the number rising higher, I think. Show everybody your

medal. Fantastic. And you are going to be a starter, aren't you? Yes, I

am. Shall we say good luck to your mum? Yes, good luck, mum, and don't

be nervous. Thanks. Sweet little girl. Well, Manchester

United play there, and they played a part in this dramatic week. And, as

ever, a fitting backdrop for this great sporting city. And the people

of this city. Showing what they are all about. They will have fun out

there, as well. But they will all be, I'm sure, thinking and

remembering the events of this week. It's been interesting. I was in the

USA when it happened. I think there was an initial, well, thought that

it might not go ahead this weekend. Brendan said it wasn't should we it

was how do we do it. Yes, the biggest question was about security.

Just making sure that everybody is safe. As you mentioned earlier.

Everybody heals in their roadway. Everybody carries on and moves on.

We will always remember what happened, but life has to go on,

like us to continue, we must stand up and show the human spirit is

stronger than this. For so many people it is about getting out

there, feeling it, feeling the heartbeat, feeling the city alive

along the route, and coming together in this way. In any road race, there

is always human spirit stories. More than ever, I think, today, and this

weekend, that will be felt in so many cities, but particularly on the

streets of Manchester today. Louise is enjoying her advantage point --

vantage point. She is a keen runner herself. I went over to St Ann's

Square earlier. It was an inspiring place to be. Quiet. Respect. Lots of

families there. The floral tribute is growing and will continue to

grow. Today it is a tribute of a different type.

The young and old have come to take part. And they have come to cheer.

I've never seen so many people out watching this event. It has always

been popular but it is good to see so many people taking part and

coming along to cheer, as well. They are all here. Thank you. When

you were with me earlier there was just a steady trickle of people

coming down. Look at this stream of incredible, special runners making

their Way down Deansgate. Louise was talking about the smiles on their

faces from the start. Now, it is released, but enjoyment, as well.

You can see that everybody, not just the runners, but everybody who has

lined the route, everybody having such a fantastic day. Some people

finding it more difficult than others, obviously, but at the end of

the day people are just getting through it. There are so many

stories we are witnessing and are hearing about today. But one is of a

woman called Helen, who despite her own battle is still giving back to

so many people. Here is her story. My name is Helen and this is my run.

I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in April of last year.

The lump I found was in my armpit, not on my breast, so much so that my

first mammogram did not show it. For a lot of women who have breast

cancer, they have a primary diagnosis which is curative. They

get cured of disease and some are unfortunate and have a re-occurrence

which may spread to secondary later on in life. For me mine was

terminal, unfortunately, so I am being treated at the Christie and I

am hoping to live for a good few years yet. I felt whiny. I

occasionally do. -- initially I felt why me, I occasionally do, but it is

bad luck. I'm not actually running for one of the big cancer charities,

or the Christie, although I support them, I'm running for an

organisation called Pegasus Riding For The Disabled. I am a trustee,

coach, and every Sunday we teach kids and adults with disabilities to

ride horses. OK, ie ready to go faster? Off we go when you are

ready. -- are you ready to go faster? There is nothing better than

seeing somebody with quite a severe disabilities, never ridden a horse

before, putting them on a pony and watching them go. Sometimes I can

turn up grumpy. Ten minutes into a lesson I don't feel that way any

more. Realistically I know my cancer cannot be cured. But I'm hoping that

by exercise I can stay as well as possible for as long as possible.

The start of the race is always emotional. Being in amongst those

thousands of people it is hugely emotional. Running it, just a few

weeks out of my last chemotherapy session, is going to feel, that's

going to feel like a big achievement. The emotion of

finishing with my supporters will be amazing. And I will cross the line,

even if it is walking. I am with some of Helen's biggest fans and

friends. She is incredible. Shears. We are inspired. She isn't thinking

of herself. -- she is, we are inspired. She was just thinking

about the children she helps and her charity. It is that active

selflessness which is inspiring about her. What do you think today

will mean for her? The whole day is just emotional. After everything

that has happened anyway. But going through all of the chemotherapy she

has been going through, and being part of today, part of Manchester,

it will mean so much more. You said you did not want to speak. Put into

context how amazing she is. Absolutely brilliant. This is the

fourth one. She is on chemotherapy. This is specifically for riding for

the disabled. This is somebody who keeps chickens, who works full-time,

which is why, if we turn around, that was always the joke. We always

say if she isn't busy doing something else, she is fighting

crime at night. I am inspired by her story. I cannot wait to meet her.

Thank you. Lovely to see them. Nobody could do

this on their own. These are the most special people, the ones

getting them over the line. I have just heard that Helen is passed the

halfway mark. She said she would run over that finish line, even if she

walked the last kilometre. One of the most lovely things has been

watching people tried to run the last yards. One guy took a stumble.

A few people got around him, rallied him, and got him over the line.

Let's go to JJ who is with some of the crowd back at the start.

I am with some of our supporters. Who are you here to see? Very shy.

She is here for her daddy. How proud is she going to be today? Very

proud. Very proud he has come after everything that has happened this

week, and he is still determined to come. Before every wave that has

been silence, a poem, it is really powerful, isn't it? Yes. It sums up

Manchester. We stand together no matter what happens. How important

do you think it is to the runners and for your husband to come out

here and cheer them on? It is just amazing. All of them have trained so

hard. They are doing this to raise money for charities. It is so

selfless that they are doing it. Really proud of them. Glad you are

proud of them and having a wonderful day. We will see them, crossed the

line soon. Enjoy your day. That pride really echoed throughout

the city. I'm with Tony Walsh who you will be familiar with. Reading

that incredible poem at the vigil. And you have been reading another

poem to the start of each wave, how has it been for you? Very emotional.

I am trying to keep mindful of why this is happening to me. Why this is

happening in Manchester. The reaction to the first poem has been

amazing around the world. People keep stopping me in the street with

tears in their eyes. I had a poem today, I wrote it a couple of years

ago for the run, and it has given a couple of lines in it new meaning

today. It really does have new meaning, listening to it. You are

clever with words. Words can, in some ways, help in these occasions.

We looked at artists, musicians -- we look at artists, musicians, and

poets to say the things we cannot say ourselves. It has been for the

community today. It is what artists do, say the big words for us. We

have been standing here. Three waves so far. On every single person I

have seen is smiles on their faces. The start of something special for

each individual person. I have been changing the words to my poem right

up until the last second on the podium. I was going to have a line

at the end, we will fight their fear with fun, I changed last second. But

if we are choosing love we are rejecting hatred and fear and we

will have a smile on our face. They are certainly doing that today. Yes.

Thank you for being here, and thank you for your words. And now, a

celebrity finisher? We have a couple. We have Peter

here. We need to have some sort of chair here. I want to pull you up.

Talk to us about the people who pulled you through. There was

fantastic support all the way. That is the most I have seen and I have

done 11. It is fantastic. From 11 to a first timer. What struck me was

the number of, well, he got in my head at the start saying he couldn't

decide if we needed the toilet. That was in my mind all the way round so

I stopped for a moment. What struck me were all of the people who said

thank you. You want to say thank you back to them. As Peter said, the

atmosphere is amazing. It is more than pride, more than defiance, you

cannot sum it up, it is a great atmosphere. Having done it 11 times

I'm sure the emotions are different. What was going through your head?

The atrocity is in your mind all the time. It breaks your heart. I am

feeling emotional, actually. It's been a bad week. What you have been

doing has given so much backed everybody else. They have been doing

it back. The least we could do. -- what you have been doing has given

so much back to everybody else. We have another story will

We are doing the Manchester 10k and we are doing it slightly

differently. We are doing it in a caterpillar. It is the longest

caterpillar I have seen. It is bright yellow. Don't think you can

miss really! We are running fall Went you wish upon a. It grants

wishes for children's wishes. The firemen are amazing and may have

been supporting our charity for ten years and they are amazing and they

are an inspiration. We have met a number of the families that they

grant wishes for and it has made us even more happy that what we are

doing is going towards a good cause. Jamie is 12 years old and she was

diagnosed at once which is eight -- with a genetic disorder which stops

you developing. So she has an incredibly thin bones because she

does not walk and she has crushing internal organs and she does not

walk or talk and she never will. There are a lot of things we can't

do because there are three of us as a family and we are very restricted.

The first thing they suggested was a winter wonderland event at the

Center Parcs which was the most incredible experience we have ever

had. The memories these events procreate can't be taken away by it

is an illness and that is what those guys are doing and that is why it is

so important. The main feeling is we are trying to raise as much money on

as we can for Wish Upon A Star and that is our overriding achievement.

The money changes people's lives and the fact these guys constantly

support the charity is unbelievable, they are such a great bunch of guys,

they are amazing. Not sure if they have started yet.

30 of them dressed as a giant Caterpillar. It may turn into a

beautiful butterfly, who knows? Good luck to them at back, it is a great

cause and they are raising money for. So many have made plans in the

weeks and months leading up to this. And events to some extent taken

over, their own aspirations, but of course some important that they

stick to those plans and they carry on with what they were going to do

and that is what today has really been about. That is another group.

Not quite sure what they are dressed as. Too far away to be able to tell.

So going just over one hour, for those who started in the first wave,

63 minutes as they crossed the line in front of me. Many of these,

wearing different colours. White, orange, mingling together. What this

event was meant to be about and it always will be about. And they will

return in future years, I'm sure, and they will of course remember

2017. And it was absolutely right, I have never seen so many people are

watching. It is always popular in Deansgate but you can see the crowds

on the route. That is some of the University group, 2,000 of them

taking part and they will have plenty of support. Of course, as I

mentioned, we have the half-marathon for the first time today. I'm sure

that events will continue to grow. 10k in itself a massive challenge

for so many people as Louise was mentioning, plenty of people for

whom this is their very first 10k and they might move on to the

half-marathon in future years. Still a couple of ways to get going. Three

o'clock is the last. And at the finish, it is starting to get a

little crowded as more and more people finish their day and finished

their run. You have just crossed the line, how

are you feeling, Johnny? Absolutely exhausted. I was trying to go below

37 minutes and I think I did 37:2 but it was a good atmosphere, I was

trying to get top 100 and hopefully I might have done it. It was tough

out there today. Yes, quite warm, not as warm as yesterday. It is a

strange atmosphere with what happened. I used to teach in

Manchester a couple of years ago and Molly was one of my students. There

are some children at the school are used to teach at who were at the

arena. Luckily, they are all right but believable that can happen. It's

great for the city to show we are strong and we can come back for it

and the crowds have been amazing. Absolutely fantastic. It's great to

see you out here. Thank you very much.

Johnny is one of many finishing behind us here on Deansgate. I have

seen a very good friend of mine, I will give him some stick afterwards

but it did not look like a happy face as he made his way down the

finish line. Will, I will call you afterwards!

Paula Radcliffe and Brendan Foster here. You have seen is from start to

finish and you have watched this race many times, this is a bit

different and a bit special. It is always special but today, it is more

special than ever. There is a reason it is called Greater Manchester and

it has really shown today. The amount of people just coming to

support, people he wanted to come and take part in the event just to

show that human spirit fights on. It is personified in road racing so

often, we see the camaraderie stories, and more so than ever it is

showing that this is a spirit that will always fight on. At the start

of the programme, we knew it was in the hands of the council, but they

gave you the go and you knew that this was the spirit that would

changing. Only because it is Manchester and

the people have been amazing all week and well led by the civic

authorities and Sir Richard Leese has been magnificent. The response

of the city, the people of the city have been right behind him following

him and saying all week, we are coming, we are coming. We provide a

stage and the people of Manchester have occupied this stage

unbelievably well. Haven't they just? One other guy pounding the

streets of Manchester blossom time is Anthony Crolla. How was that as

an experience? Your cousin was affected by the events in Manchester

on Monday night. And running through here with your boxing career. And

thousands of amazing people in Manchester, this must have been an

amazing experience? Brilliant, I did not think it could surpass last year

but it really has done. The last one kilometre, we had the crowd, a

brilliant experience. It big she so proud to be a Mancunian. You are not

competitive at all, I'm sure, who had the best time? I think Scott had

the fastest time. My excuse was I was running with my mate and making

sure he finished. Great team effort and more importantly money raised

for important causes. Just a word on Tirunesh Dibaba, another masterclass

and it was key for her to be here. Yes, she really wanted to be here,

she loves the city of Manchester and she had a textbook demonstration

display, dominating the race from start to finish, in contrast to the

men's race where we saw a much greater battle and it was the person

who wanted it more at the end who triumphed, Dathan Ritzenhein. I'm

sure everybody has very different memories of today but it will be

back again next year, just as good, if not better, because this event

just keeps going. You can't hold back the great city of Manchester. I

am so proud this event is in the city and so proud of the reaction

and proud of the people who have responded, it is fantastic. And

Tirunesh Dibaba, the greatest female athlete, three times Olympic

champion, coming here. Everybody is nervous and has -- in anticipation

of what may happen, but they came here and they showed their strength.

And Manchester won. It really did, it's perfect way to summarise. So

good to see all of you. Denise. Shattered! It is our very first

official 10k. Best time as well. Only running six months. And you are

here. And we are both Nannes, running for our grandchildren.

Never? Absolutely. The shock of U2 coming up arm in arm was just so

beautiful, but it really echoes what it is about -- the picture of you

both coming up arm in arm. It has been a brilliant day. We are doing

it for Cancer Research, we lost our colleague last year. We have raised

about ?600 for Cancer Research. It is all good. It made my day seemed

you! It has made my day seemed you, enjoy it. Thank you, we will do.

Naughty nannies coming two! Well done. Thank you.

We are back at the start and I am with JJ and I have studied here

before a couple of times and it is always emotional. But today, being a

spectator, you really get a sense of the massive human endeavour we have

been watching. It is a very special day and I feel so honoured to be

right in the heart of it. The crowds have been fantastic. I have not had

much experience of Manchester before, and have lived here four

months, and I have had the biggest welcome in the city. For anybody who

does not know Manchester well, you are getting to see just how special

this places. It is six years since you yourself were injured in an

explosion. It has got to bring a special poignancy. It is a difficult

weekend for me. There is an idea of celebration that I made it and I

know others were not so fortunate. It was a rebirth this happening to

me and I came back stronger and everybody involved and I mean the

entire city and the entire area will come back stronger from this. On

that positive message, thank you very much indeed. What I have really

felt, we have all been here, the runners, the spectators, just to

stand up and be counted as part of this amazing experience of today.

I couldn't agree more, Louise. As we have seen, thousands more making

their way over the finish line. And we have got John Bishop. 24 hours

ago coming you decided you would be here. Just describe what this

last... The atmosphere all the way around, I did this run ten years ago

and there was not the number of people to support, the passion.

Today has done what it was meant to do, it has made a statement to say

this is what we are about, this is what Manchester is about and what we

are about. A guy from Liverpool, proud North West man who knows

Manchester inside out, it has been really, you personify what this is

all about. Especially how quickly you came in. Bentley so much. They

do so much to everybody for watching. It has been a special

occasion. Unity is what it has all been about. Have a happy Sunday.

We are Manchester. We are Manchester.