Young athletes encouraged to ‘bee’ their greatest at Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run

The Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run is returning to The Etihad on 21st May 2022 – and budding athletes are encouraged to embrace the city’s emblem by taking part in a massive bee themed fancy dress competition on the day.

Athletics superstars Mo Farah and Eilish McColgan will be performing official starters duties for around 1500 young people expected to take part in the event, which will be staged the day before the Great Manchester Run.

The Mini run caters for dinky dashers aged 3-8 over a 1.5k course, while the 2.5K Junior event is for those aged 9-15.

“By popular demand, the Junior and Mini event has moved back to Saturday as a standalone event, meaning that families can make a day of it at the Etihad and care givers still have the chance to take part in the 10K or Half Marathon events on Sunday,” said event manager Sharon Angel.

“It’s never too early to give your kids a taste of that big-event buzz and inspire a lifelong love of being active. 

“The stadium is a perfect venue to inspire sporting greatness and there will be lots to see and do for the whole family.”

Amongst those taking part will be a number running for good causes. 

Five-year-old Lola Monks, from Tottington in Bury, will be running for the neonatal unit at Bolton Royal Hospital.

She spent 244 days there after being born 11 weeks premature. Her parents were told to say goodbye when she was born as she was so sick.

“It’s been a long tough journey to get here but miraculously she’s now a thriving five-year-old who loves life,” said mum, Gemma. 

“She really is a special little girl and now we’re ready to try and give back to those who helped her survive.

“It’s a small token of appreciation and thanks for a debt that can never be truly repaid. 

“We know the nurses and doctors who cared for her would be thrilled and amazed to see her do something like this.”

Eight-year-old Alexander Grey from Sale will be running to raise awareness of children being born with Prader-Willi Syndrome, and to raise money for the Prader-Willi Association UK. 

Prader-Willi Syndrome is a complex, rare genetic disorder that results from a chromosomal abnormality that causes problems including constant urges to eat; restricted growth; learning difficulties and decreased muscle tone (hypotonia). 

“Alexander has many challenges in his life which he has to overcome on every day basis,” explains mum, Pavlina.

“One of the biggest challenges is the food obsession – as his brain constantly telling him that he feels hungry. 

“His muscle tone is very poor which makes it very hard for him to exercise and keep up.”

There is still time to be a part of a fantastic, fun, family day out at the Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run. 

For more information or to enter, click below.