‘Running has changed my life’

A record field of more than 28,000 runners is expected to take part in this year’s Manchester Half Marathon on 12 October.

Earlier this year, the Manchester Marathon also attracted more entrants than ever before, with about 36,000 taking part.

Research carried out for a gym equipment company in April, which considered factors including the number of running clubs and sports shops, ranked Manchester as the best city for runners in the United Kingdom.

The BBC spoke with three Mancunian runners to hear their stories.

Laura Cloran, who trains with the all-female RunTheWorldMCR club in the Monton area of Manchester, said that while she had needed a bit of persuasion to start her running journey, she had never looked back.

“I can wholeheartedly say it’s has changed my life,” she said.

“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been, and it’s been so beneficial to my mental wellbeing.

“And, of course, I’ve found some of the best gals along the way.”

She is running this year’s Manchester Half Marathon for the first time and believes the support the club has given her has been essential.

“One memorable experience that stands out was during a long solo run for my half-marathon training,” she said.

“When I arrived at a Parkrun, I was feeling drained, but four of the girls surprised me by showing up, running alongside me, and offering words of encouragement.

“Their selfless act meant the world to me, and it gave me the boost I needed to keep going.”

It’s fair to say Chris Lloyd also absolutely loves running.

He trained with 11 different clubs while preparing for the Manchester Half Marathon.

Originally from Wigan, the 31-year-old moved to Salford Quays two years ago.

“I wanted to meet new people and make new friends,” he said.

“I didn’t originally plan to train with so many, but everyone was so welcoming and each offered something different so it just grew and grew.

“I had them all on a two-week schedule, taking part in both mornings and evening sessions. It was five on one week, six on the other.”

It was when Chris began to experience the “runner’s high” that he set his sights on challenging himself more, going on to complete half marathons in 2023 and 2024.

“A full marathon was too much,” he explained, “but the half was challenging enough to push me, while still being something I felt I could realistically do.

“After I had finished it once, I ended up doing it a second time.

“However, I just couldn’t keep up training with so many clubs, so I’ve cut back quite a lot now but kept the friendships I made.”

Vicky Hilton, who also trains with RunTheWorldMCR, completed the Manchester Marathon earlier this year.

She said she would never have signed up to run more than 26 miles had it not have been for the support of her club.

“The ladies in the group have 100% inspired me to push myself and complete longer distances,” she said.

“I’m nervous about running alone but less so now, as RunTheWorldMCR has really helped build my confidence and meet up in groups to do long runs especially.”

Vicky believes the region’s diverse landscape helps keep training sessions fresh.

“Canal paths and woodland trails alongside city routes makes it more interesting and you can train for any distance race with all this available,” she said.

“Also, running different routes with various run leaders helps you try different paces, distances and elevations which all support you build stamina for those bigger challenges.”