Cheers all round at the Great Manchester Run

Despite the clouds there were smiles all round at the Great Manchester Run 2024.

More than 30,000 people took part with crowds of 100,000 enthusiastic supporters cheering the runners along the iconic Manchester city centre route.

Team Francis House had over 100 runners split between the half marathon and the 10k raising more than £40,000 between them for the charity.

This year runners included corporate groups from JP Goldman, Accenture, GLD, AZoNetwork, CDW, Glaisyers and Taylor Wimpey plus regular supporters, Francis House family members and their friends.

Here’s what some of them had to say…

Abbie Langtree from Taylor Wimpey said: “Thank you so much! It was an exhilarating experience, made all the more meaningful by the cause we were supporting. I saw the Francis House cheering squad and ran over to give them all high fives!! Was an amazing atmosphere and one that I will never forget.”

Daniel Hewitt from JP Goldman said: “We have been supporting Francis House for the last 3 years and have taken part in many of their events but this was my first 10k. It was great fun and Paul and I will definitely sign up again next year.”

Phil Lee from Accenture said: “We had 21 team members running in aid of Francis House and have raised a fantastic amount for this fabulous charity. It was also great to see the Francis House team on the course cheering us on”.

Franky and Gen – Running for Arlo said: “Francis House have been helping us through the hardest year of our lives since we lost our baby boy Arlo in January. The hospice provided us somewhere we could enjoy his final days and introduce him to friends and family away from the beeps, noises and wires of hospitals. The Great Manchester Run has given us something truly positive to focus on both physically and mentally and hopefully we can pay it forward for the next family so they can spend those precious moments together in peace.”

Amanda Alexander said: “I ran with my colleague, Bella and we kept each other company right the way through to the last kilometre when the youngster sped off. I did give the Francis House cheering squad a wave and although I was very nervous beforehand, I did enjoy it and am happy to have raised over £600.”

Julie Williams, Senior Fundraising Officer said:
“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the runners who took part in aid of Francis House – you are all remarkable! I would also like to say thank you to our volunteer cheering squad who were there shouting words of encouragement – you really did make a difference to the runners.”