LOCAL OLYMPIC HERO – PARIS 2024 GOLD MEDALLIST KEELY HODGKINSON NAMED OFFICIAL STARTER OF THE 2025 AJ BELL GREAT MANCHESTER RUN

Manchester born and raised, Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson is to be the official race starter of the 2025 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday 18 May.

Keely, whose spectacular performance on the track at the Paris 2024 Olympics Games saw her dominate the 800M from the start to secure gold, will take to the iconic starters platform on Sunday morning to set over 35,000 participants on their way, making this the biggest Great Manchester Run in a decade.

Sir Brendan Foster, President of The Great Run Company, said: “Keely was the star of the show last summer at the Paris Olympics. Her determination to win had everyone on the edge of their seats – it was thrilling to watch and a proud moment for the whole British Athletics community!

“So when it came to finding this year’s race starter, there really was only one option for us and we’re delighted Keely will be joining us on the 18 May. From her early days at Leigh Harriers to now being one of the most recognised athletes in the world, she’s definitely a local girl who’s done good and I know she will have inspired many of the runners taking part in this year’s Great Manchester Run.”

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024, Keely added: “Running in Manchester runs in my blood, my mum and dad were both huge club and distance runners locally and they inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I can’t wait to start this year’s Great Manchester Run, not only to set some of the world’s best runners on their way, but also the thousands of fellow Mancunians who share my love of running!” 

Keely joins a long list of athletics legends who have performed official starting duties at the Great Manchester Run including Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix, Haile Gebreselassie and Jess Ennis, as well North West heroes such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and Bobby Robson.

Everyone has a chance to be part of the action. More than 100,000 spectators will line the streets to support, and millions more will watch the action live on the BBC from 11am to 1pm.

Places for the 10K, Half Marathon and Junior & Mini kids events are expected to sell out in advance, so enter now to secure your spot on the famous start line.  Find out more and enter at greatrun.org/manchester.

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