A record-breaking crowd, elite performances, inspirational stories and a whole lot of Mancunian spirit defined the 2025 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run, which saw more than 35,000 runners hit the streets in glorious sunshine, cheered on by 150,000 spectators and millions more watching live on BBC2.

The energy in Manchester city centre was electric as runners of all abilities lined up alongside world-class elites and famous faces for one of the UK’s biggest running weekends. With both the 10K and half marathon starting and finishing in the heart of the city, the course passed some of Manchester’s most iconic locations, including Deansgate, Salford Quays, Old Trafford and the Beetham Tower.

In the elite 10K, Olympic gold medallist Selemon Barega added another title to his name, powering to victory in 27:49. Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe crossed the line just three seconds later, with Kenya’s Vincent Ngetich Kipkemoi, last year’s champion, taking third in 27:58. The British charge was led by Alfie Manthorpe in fifth and Dewi Griffiths in eighth.

The women’s 10K was dominated by 20-year-old Ethiopian star Medina Eisa, who ran a composed race to finish first in 30:42. American Emily Sisson secured second place in 31:11, followed by Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia in third. Britain’s Amy-Eloise Neale and Verity Ockenden both finished inside the top 10 in a high-quality field.

The half marathon saw a commanding victory from local athlete Josh Birmingham, who crossed the line in 1:06:25. Welshman Josh Griffiths claimed second place, followed by England’s Simon Crawford in third.

In the women’s race, Australia’s Melissa Duncan took the top spot with a time of 1:16:27, while British runners Bethan Lowe and Eden O’Dea rounded out the podium.

Crowds also got a glimpse of sporting royalty, with Olympic legends Dame Kelly Holmes and Keely Hodgkinson among those starting the races. Great Run ambassador and Commonwealth champion Eilish McColgan was also on hand throughout the weekend, kicking off the elite women’s 10K, handing out medals and celebrating finishers at the line alongside DJ Chaise.

Also returning in spectacular style was the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run. Over 1,500 young runners, aged between 3 and 15, took part in the sold-out event, with support from family, friends and some famous faces. Gladiators’ newest stars, Hammer and Cyclone, helped get the young runners off the start line.

Entries for the 2026 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run are already open, and if this year is anything to go by, it’ll be one to remember.

Image: Great Run Facebook