“Manchester is a special place” Sir Mo Farah bids farewell to the city with final race

Sir Mo shared his excitement, emotions, and plans for the future, as well as his profound affection for the city that has embraced him wholeheartedly.

He said that he was ready to return to the streets of Manchester, having recovered from his recent exertions at the London Marathon.

The Great Manchester Run has always been special to Sir Mo, and he eagerly anticipates the vibrant atmosphere that makes the city come alive on race day.

He said: “My first race here was way back in 2009, I didn’t win but I remember it being an amazing day.

“I think my next time was 2018 when I won in an epic with Moses Kipsiro in a sprint finish and crossing the line in 28 minutes 27 seconds.

“I remember thinking, I am exhausted here but the Manchester crowd just kept me going. It’s a special place to run.

“The support was electrifying, I’ll never forget it.”

As Sir Mo reflects on the changes in the city since 2018, he speaks fondly of Manchester’s growth and the ever-increasing participation in the race.

This year, an astounding 25,000 people, along with the Kids Race, will fill the streets, a testament to the city’s passion for running.

Sir Mo’s children will also be taking part, igniting a sense of friendly family competition.

Laughing, he jokingly hopes they won’t beat him!

Sir Mo continued: “It’s going to be emotional bidding goodbye to the city.

“The support I’ve had over the years here has been special. This Sunday I just want to enjoy the race and speak to the people who come out to support all of the runners.

“I am heading towards retirement, I think it’s safe to say my body can no longer compete at the top level it has been at previously.

“I want to challenge the best, and it’s not quite there anymore. I’ve been at the top for a long time but my body can’t do it anymore.

“It’s a hard thing to accept, but it’s reality. There are a lot of amazing youngsters coming through and I want to stay involved with coaching and awareness too.

“That being said, I’m looking forward to a new challenge, coaching, raising awareness and fundraising, that’s where I see my future unfolding.

“I want to help the next generation of athletes through grassroots initiatives, to help schools, kids and clubs.

“Hopefully, I can help empower young athletes to reach their full potential.”

And Sir Mo has recently been celebrating much more than achievements in running.

Last week he scooped a BAFTA award too.

His BAFTA wins for his documentary, highlighting the issue of child trafficking, exemplify his dedication to creating awareness and making a difference beyond the running track.

“I couldn’t believe we won! All my life I’ve been known as a runner, so to win in something completely alien to me was a bit of a surreal experience, to be honest.

“It’s such an important and pressing issue, I was glad I could share the story of what I went through.

“My Kids inspired me to tell the story.

“I want them to know who I am and where I’m from.

“I would hate kids to go through the same things I did.

“It’s about creating awareness. What can we do to prevent it?

“People who are trafficked, no child should go through what I did. They just want to have fun and be a child.”

Through sharing his own story and advocating for those who are voiceless, Sir Mo continues to uplift and inspire not only the running community but society as a whole.