“The thing about Manchester is… it all comes from here”
Noel Gallagher
…and it certainly came from the heart on Sunday.
I was thrilled when Garmin asked if I’d like to join them for the Simply Health Great Manchester Run. Obviously, I jumped at the chance! I had seen TV coverage of the event for years and always wanted to experience it firsthand. The Great Manchester Run is known for being Europe’s biggest 10km race, attracting around thirty thousand runners to the city. It’s not just about the 10K, though; the event also features a half marathon earlier in the day. Fortunately for me, the 10K kicks off just after 1 pm, which meant no early morning wake-up call—a rare race day luxury!
Pre-Race Excitement and Getting Ready to Run
Arriving in Manchester just before 11 am, I met up with the Garmin team for the day: Jenna, Fudgie, Anna, Kirsty and Ben. I had followed them online for a while, so it was fantastic to finally meet in person. The race atmosphere was electric. Manchester anthems (including some classic Oasis tracks) blasted from the speakers, helicopters buzzed overhead capturing footage for the live BBC2 coverage, and the start line was packed with eager runners.
I was in the orange pen, and right before the race started, I got a WhatsApp from my Mum saying, “Rach, I just saw you on TV!” There’s no hiding when you’re taking part in such a big event!
The Race Course: Manchester’s Iconic Landmarks
At exactly 1:02 pm, we were off—running alongside some of the elite male athletes! The race, which starts and finishes in Manchester’s city centre, is perfectly designed for a fast and flat 10K. It kicks off on Portland Street and heads southwest out of the city, passing iconic spots like Old Trafford and Trafford Park. One of the coolest parts is running past the Coronation Street set (though I somehow missed it!).
There was so much entertainment along the way—live music, drag queens, DJs, and my personal highlight: a guy dressed in a Liam Gallagher mask dancing to Oasis. It was a surreal Manchester moment, and I loved every second of it.
Great Manchester Run: Spotting Celebrities
About two miles into the race, I spotted one of the Coronation Street actresses! As someone more likely to recognise a soap star than a footballer, this completely made my day. The whole course felt alive with energy, and before I knew it, I saw the “400 metres to go” sign. That sign triggered a funny memory from school days when I absolutely hated running track.
Post-Race: Medals, Goody Bags, and Garmin Goodies
Once across the finish line, we were quickly handed our medals, water, and the biggest goody bag I’ve ever received post-race. It even included a sample of washing powder—a true sign that I’m getting old when that excites me!
At the Deansgate finish line, the atmosphere felt more like a street party. Event partners were on hand to offer advice, hand out samples, and demonstrate products. Garmin was showcasing their new Forerunner 245 Music, which features everything a runner needs, from workout analysis to syncing with music streaming services like Spotify® and Deezer. The best part? It allows phone-free listening during your run, which means more space for essentials like snacks or extra layers! I loved the idea of having my Manchester anthems playlist right on my wrist!
Why You Should Run the Great Manchester Run
If you’ve never taken part in the Great Manchester Run, I’d highly recommend it. The fast, flat course and the friendly northern atmosphere make it an event to remember. Even if you’re not a runner, watching the BBC coverage might just inspire you to lace up your trainers and give it a go. There’s something truly special about running in the heart of Manchester, surrounded by iconic landmarks and incredible support from the crowd.
If you’re looking for a race with a friendly northern vibe, the Great Manchester Run is a must-do. The flat course is ideal for setting a PB, and the iconic landmarks make it a memorable experience. Whether you’re there for the challenge or just to enjoy the day, you won’t be disappointed.
A huge thank you to Garmin for inviting me to be part of their team for the day.
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