Eilish McColgan smashes Paula Radcliffe’s 10k record at Great Manchester Run

Thousands took to the city’s streets on Sunday 22nd May for the Great Manchester Run.

The event got underway with a minute’s applause in recognition of the fifth anniversary of the Arena attack, led by Freya Lewis, who suffered devastating injuries in the attack and Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council.

Some well-known faces joined the masses, with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, taking on the 10k alongside a team of NHS Staff from Manchester University Foundation Trust.

TV Star Ferne McCann took on her first ever 10k and Coronation Street actors Sally-Anne Matthews (Jenny Bradley) and Adam Blease (Dirk) were both running for Dog’s Trust.

Thousands of amateur runners took on their own half marathon and 10K challenges. 

And some records were broken by the elite athletes.

Despite finishing second to Kenyan powerhouse Hellen Obiri, Eilish McColgan smashed Paula Radcliffe’s longstanding British 10k record on the road, by two seconds.

Obiri’s winning time of 30:15 and McColgan’s second place time of 30:19 were also the second and third fastest of all time.

Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich took third place in 30:29.

“After coming so close to the British record in London I’m so happy to have broken it here today,” said Eilish.

“We went off super-fast but I wanted to keep something for the final stages and I’m glad I did.

“Thank you for all the support on the course, it was so incredible, I love running in Manchester.”

In the Men’s race, Jake Robertson of New Zealand took first place in 28:06, ahead of British runner Jack Rayner in second in 28:16 and Spain’s Antonio Abadia in third in 28:21. 

“It’s been incredible to see so many fantastic runners crossing the line on Deansgate,” said Chief Executive of the Great Run Company, Paul Foster.

“As always supporters were out in force cheering them on every step of the way.

“We’d like to thank our partners Manchester City Council and the people of Manchester for making this a day to remember.”

The 20th Great Manchester Run will take place on Sunday 21st May 2023 and organisers are offering an early bird discount on entry for both distances for the next week. For more information or to enter, click here.