Great Manchester Run 2026

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run 10k and half marathon took place on Sunday 31st May.

As always Manchester was in great spirits for this annual spectacle in the city centre where thousands of runners take part and a lot of money is raised for amazing local charities.

We had 10 athletes taking part in the 10k with some brilliant results. Conditions were good as there were some super fast times. Olive Walker was first home for ECH in a brilliant 34.53., followed by Tom McMahon and James Rook having a close battle with 37.23 and 37.26 respectively. ECH stalwarts James Hartshorne and Andy Sykes were next with times of 37.53 and 39.29 respectively. Ben Dale another much improved junior athlete finished just outside the magic 40min barrier with 40.07. Callum Parkinson did a great job of pacing 45mins coming back in at 44.28 and met Dame Kelly Holmes for his hard work! Well done to Damian Stewart (53.29), Gary Coxon (56.33) and Clare Stewart (1.14.00) who all ran well.

Callum with Dame Kelly Holmes!

At the start - Ben, James R, Oliver and James H (left to right)

In the half marathon earlier the same morning two new ECH members Joel Harris and Sean Blinkhorn broke the elusive 2hour barrier with 1.58.55 and 1.59.44 respectively. Amazing to see all the hard training paid off!

Joel (left) and sean (right) with their medals