Inspirational stories from participants of the Great Manchester Run 2025

It’s no secret that running is a great way to keep fit and trim. But it can do a lot more than that, especially when taking part in an organised event like the Great Manchester Run.

From a weekly park run to a half marathon – and beyond – running is the perfect excuse to get out there, alongside others, on your journey to get fitter. It can also help improve your mental health.

What's more, by doing a sponsored run, you would be doing your bit to make a positive difference to other people's lives. And it’s never too late to start.

Take Steve Dalton. While for many people retirement is a time to start slowing down, Steve took up running at the age of 64 as a way to boost his fitness after he retired.

He’s since completed four marathons, 10 half marathons, and 16 10k races. Now at 84, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The former university professor from Didsbury has signed up to compete in this year’s Great Manchester Run 10k event – and he’s determined to cross the finish line in a rapid one hour.

“Maybe an hour and 10 minutes,” Steve concedes. “But anything slower than that, I won’t be happy.

“I’m generally the fastest in the veterans category. But then again, there’s not much competition at my age!

“I want to carry on until I can’t go anymore. It’s as simple as that.”

For junior doctor Nabeel Hoque, 27, taking up running was less about getting fit physically than looking after his mental health.

From Cheshire, Nabeel has always been dedicated to helping his patients. But he admits he didn’t always show the same commitment to his own wellbeing.

“For years, I was quite harsh on myself, struggling with self-worth,” he says.

Early last year, things came to a head.

“I wasn’t eating or sleeping for more than an hour