Crowds watch thousands take part in marathon

9 hours ago

Children high-fived runners as they passed through Altrincham

BBC A group of dozens of little girls in red tops watch runners go by. Some put their hands out to high-five runners in front of an old redbrick building in Altrincham. — Children high-fived runners as they passed through Altrincham

More than 40,000 runners have pounded the streets of Manchester for an "absolutely electric" marathon.

They were watched by thousands of spectators who lined the 26.2 mile route from Trafford through the city centre, Altrincham and Wythenshawe before culminating at the finish line in front of the University of Manchester.

Yohan Lidove and Naomi Robinson won the male and female races respectively, while Callum Hall became wheelchair champion.

Comedians Rosie Jones and Ivo Graham were among celebrities running, and social media influencer Molly-Mae Hague was in the crowds to watch relatives take part.

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Naomi Robinson won the female race in two hours 37 minutes

Manchester Marathon Naomi Robinson raises her arms up as she looks at the finish tape, which has the words Manchester Marathon across it. She wears a running top and has her hair tied back in a ponytail. — Naomi Robinson won the female race in two hours 37 minutes

The sun was out with one male runner saying "it was hot in the first half but the crowds kept you going and were fantastic all around".

Another participant said the atmosphere was "absolutely electric all the way around - fantastic".

A choir - along with David Bowie and Freddie Mercury look-a-likes - serenaded runners to boost their spirits

Runners grin as they pass by a Freddie Mercury lookalike in a yellow jacket and white trousers plus a person in a red and blue striped Ziggy Stardust outfit. A choir in red shirts sing on the pavement beside them. Old redbrick buildings can be seen lining the route with a police van at the side. — A choir - along with David Bowie and Freddie Mercury look-a-likes - serenaded runners to boost their spirits

There was no rain to drench runners and spectators

Teenage boy holds up a cardboard sign saying "We trained for months to hold this sign!". Dozens of spectators line the route next to him, applauding and watching runners. — There was no rain to drench runners and spectators

Callum Hall became wheelchair champion at the event, which finished in front of the University of Manchester

Manchester Marathon Callum Hall smiles as he holds a blue accolade saying "1" in front of the main stone building of the university. A blue banner saying Manchester Marathon is behind him. — Callum Hall became wheelchair champion at the event, which finished in front of the University of Manchester

Thousands of spectators lined the finishing stage on Oxford Road

Hundreds of people line both sides of Oxford Road behind barriers as they watch runners pass through on the way to the finish. The old stone main building of the university with arched windows can be seen behind them. — Thousands of spectators lined the finishing stage on Oxford Road

Yohan Lidove (centre) was the men's winner, followed by William Strangeway (left) and Charlie Brisley (right)

Manchester Marathon Left to right - William Strangeway, Yohan Lidove, Charlie Brisley. They're all wearing medals over their navy blue hooded tops and hold blue signs with their respective finishing positions. The finishing arch is behind them next to the University of Manchester stone building. — Yohan Lidove (centre) was the men's winner, followed by William Strangeway (left) and Charlie Brisley (right)

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