Celebrating the amazing people taking on Great Manchester Run in 2025

The Great Manchester Run brings out the best in Manchester, showcasing the runners’ resilience, dedication to remembrance and always, the incredible human spirit.

Among the thousands pounding the pavements, there are stories that elevate this event beyond miles and medals.

Some runners battle through adversity, proving that challenges—be they injury, illness, or hardship—can be conquered with determination.

Others lace up their trainers in memory of loved ones, turning grief into a force for good.

There are teams running for charity, united by a cause bigger than themselves, and individuals taking on their first-ever race, finding courage with every step.

For many, it’s a celebration of community, like the NHS champions bringing colleagues together, or workplace teams forging bonds in pursuit of a shared goal.

Whatever their reason, each runner carries something meaningful as they move through the streets of Manchester.

And that’s what makes this event extraordinary—not just the race itself, but the stories that fuel it.

Stories from this year’s runners

Tracey Croft, 55 from Leigh, Greater Manchester

For Tracey Croft, 55, from Leigh, running began as a solo effort, but became something much more powerful. Three years ago, her friend’s five-year-old daughter, Holly Prince, passed away from childhood cancer.

In her memory, Holly’s parents founded Holly’s Hearts UK, a Manchester-based charity that creates meaningful experiences for families of children with cancer.

At first, Tracey raised money for the charity by running marathons. But when burnout hit, she had a lightbulb moment: “I realised I’d lost my motivation. Then I thought, there’s another way to make a difference, with a group of runners.”

So she co-founded Holly’s Hearts Runners, a community group that supports people of all abilities. “We started in August last year doing Couch to Half Marathon. Most struggled to run even a minute at first—but now they’re running 10 or 11 miles,” she said.

“Everyone comes with their own reason for running. Many didn’t know Holly, but they all have something driving them. And the changes in them—confidence, physical health, mental wellbeing—it’s just incredible.”

Tracey added: “We’ve got about 15 members currently, and we’re hoping to have around 30 on the start line. I experience a much greater high now through their achievements than I ever did through my own.”

Steve Aughton, 53 from Cheadle Hulme, Stockport

From first-timers to seasoned athletes, a 50-strong team of Siemens employees led by Steve Aughton from Cheadle Hulme will run in memory of a colleague and friend. Over the past decade, Siemens has raised over £20,000 for The Christie Charity, but for Steve, this year carries deeper emotional weight.

“Over the last 18 months, I’ve spent a lot of time at The Christie visiting one of my best friends from school,” Steve said. “We sadly lost him a few weeks ago. This year’s run is very personal.”

Steve credits the 2015 Great Manchester Run with changing his life: “It got me back into running after 20 years and shaped my wellbeing since. This year, I’m hoping some of our team catch that same running bug.”

Asked what race day means to him now, he said: “Crossing the finish line is all about the Siemens team achievement, the fundraising, and a shared experience for a great cause. Ten years ago, it was personal. Now, it’s about all of us.”

Steve added: ” I would say that taking part in the Great Manchester run will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life. You’ll be blown away by the atmosphere and almost certainly you’ll exceed all your personal expectations. You will not regret it!”

Nabeel Hoque, 26 from Cheshire

Nabeel battled severe depression in early 2024 as junior doctor, was admitted to the Priory Hospital for five months, had treatment, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

He began running after being discharged in June 2024, using it to improve both his physical and mental well-being. This will be his first official running event, having set the Great Manchester 10k as a goal to complete with a close friend, Rebecca.

“Setting this goal with my friend Rebecca gave me something to look forward to—something to work towards,” Nabeel said.

He speaks candidly about how running became a lifeline. “It gave me structure, clarity, and confidence. It was hard at first, but it’s helped me feel connected to my body again. Completing this run will mark a turning point—not just in my health, but in how I see myself.”

Nabeel added: “To anyone thinking of taking part in the Great Manchester Run, I would say: get involved in whatever way you can! It can mean so much and make it feel that much more special taking part in a huge event alongside people who share the same passion for running and have possibly also been using it as a way of helping to deal with significant adversities.”

Emelone Ijeoma (AKA ‘Flo’)

Emelone Ijeoma is Heart and soul of the NHS Blue Wave, a group of NHS colleagues taking part in this year’s Great Manchester Run. As an Event and Facilities Receptionist and Trust Governor at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Flo first got involved as a volunteer in 2018.

Inspired by the energy of the event, and following her diabetes diagnosis, she took up jogging and walking, joining the run herself.

Billing it as ‘One of my favourite days of the year’ Flo’s love of the event has become infectious.

Since then, she has been a tireless champion, encouraging thousands to sign up, fundraise, and experience the joy of running together. For Flo, it’s about more than just running—it’s about wellbeing, community, and making a lasting impact on NHS hospitals.

Whether running, walking, or rolling, she believes every step and every penny raised helps change lives—and she wants as many people as possible to be part of it.

Encouraging colleagues and friends to sign up, fundraise and feel the joy of running together she said to anyone considering this year’s Great Manchester Run ‘Let’s come out, have fun and do our bit!”

Mairead Clabby, age 36

Coached by Olympians Eilish McColgan and Michael Rimmer, inspiring her to know that it doesn’t matter what age you are or whether your body goes through spinal surgery like her, that you can always rise up and experience greatness again! Sometimes better than before.

Mairead is living life to the full after her spinal surgery in 2023 which was a culmination of years of pain after being assaulted in her role working as a Police Officer 13 years ago.

Back then she was a competitive athlete with Wirral Athletics Club and part of the Air Cadets National Athletics Team in the 800m and 4 x 100m events and since surgery two years ago has challenged herself to come back and run the Great Manchester Run.

What to expect at the Great Manchester Run 2025

Manchester’s greatest running event will be bigger and better than ever in 2025. Over 35,000 runners are set to take part on Sunday 18^th May, making this the largest Great Manchester Run in a decade. More than 100,000 spectators will line the streets to support, and millions more will watch the action live on the BBC from 11am to 1pm.

In true Mancunian style, it’s a party from start to finish with a high-energy soundtrack, live music and roaring crowds. Starting on Portland Street, the route passes some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks and runners will experience incredible local support all along the route.

Both the 10k and half marathon take in city highlights including Old Trafford, the Imperial War Museum at Salford Quays and The Lowry – whilst half marathon runners make up the miles heading out to the Etihad before the routes combine for a grandstand finish on Deansgate.

Runners can expect to rub shoulders with famous faces including music legend Peter Hook, TV personalities Tommy Fury and Gemma Atkinson, Strictly dancers Gorka Marquez, Carlos Gu and Jowita Prystal, Traitors S3 Alex Olesky, Kasim Ahmed and Minah Shannon plus members of the cast from Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

You can find out more about the Great Manchester Run by clicking here