Manchester's Running Scene Thrives: Stories from the Streets
Manchester is buzzing with a vibrant running culture, with the Manchester Half Marathon expecting a record 28,000 runners this year. The BBC spoke to three local runners, each with a unique story about their experience within the city's running community.
Laura Cloran: Finding Community and Fitness with RunTheWorldMCR
Laura Cloran, a member of the all-female RunTheWorldMCR club based in Monton, shared how running has transformed her life. "I can wholeheartedly say it's changed my life," she said, emphasizing its positive impact on her fitness and mental wellbeing. She is participating in this year's Manchester Half Marathon for the first time.
"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."
Laura highlights the incredible support she receives from her club. She recalls a time during her half-marathon training when she was feeling drained at a Parkrun. "Four of the girls surprised me by showing up, running alongside me, and offering words of encouragement," she said. "Their selfless act meant the world to me, and it gave me the boost I needed to keep going."
Chris Lloyd: Exploring Manchester's Diverse Running Clubs
Chris Lloyd, originally from Wigan and now living in Salford Quays, has trained with an impressive 11 different running clubs in preparation for the Manchester Half Marathon. His initial goal was simple: "I wanted to meet new people and make new friends."
He soon found himself immersed in Manchester's welcoming running scene. "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." Chris scheduled his training across these clubs, participating in both morning and evening sessions.
Experiencing the "runner's high" motivated Chris to push his limits, leading him to complete half marathons in both 2023 and 2024. Though he has scaled back the number of clubs he trains with now, the friendships he forged remain strong.
Vicky Hilton: From New Hobby to Regular Competitor
Details of Vicky Hilton's running journey were not available in this particular source, but it highlights that people start running for different reason, and many choose Manchester as the place to pursue their passion.
