'City getting to the Champion's League final isn't the best sporting event right now, it's something else entirely'

Bank holidays galore, coronation, Eurovision, City’s triumphant leap to the Champions League final – I don’t know about you, the last few weeks have absolutely knackered me out. But with each event came unity, be it through a punch of national pride, a very camp kind of community with our continental cousins, or singing Blue Moon with fellow football fans.

Once more, this weekend, thousands of people will descend on Manchester’s streets for yet another huge event, the 20th Greater Manchester Run. Now, I’m not a particularly energised flag-waver, nor am I a chest-beating Blue, and Eurovision is something of an ironic watch for me.

So, as the runners do their final pre-race preparations, I’ve decided that of all of these huge moments we’ve had in May so far this one might be my favourite – let me explain why.

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Of course, there’s a sense of togetherness for all out there clocking up the miles. For the rest of us watching from home, there will likely be a collective, heartwarming reminiscence of the finest moments of one of the country’s sporting heroes – as Olympian and all-around national treasure, Sir Mo Farah, has chosen to bid farewell to the competitive stage with one last race in our very own fair city, natch.

But here’s one crucial part of the event that is unique to each participant. Almost every athlete lacing up their shoes, professional or amateur, is taking on this challenge for entirely individual reasons.

By looking at the rainbow of charity badges, t-shirts promoting selfless organisations, and inexplicable costumes donned by the runners, you get an idea of the deeply personal circumstances pushing them to go the distance.

Last year,