Running log

Tesfaye Debele of Bradford-Airedale won the City of Salford 10K after finishing in a fantastic time of 30min 09sec.

Defending champion Mohamed Abu-Reseq of Altrincham was second behind Bradford 10K winner Debele, who is thought to be considering a switch to Sheffield, while Salford’s Stuart Robinson was third.

The race, which received more than 3,500 entries, saw runners follow a scenic route around Salford Quays and MediaCityUK.

Sports Tours International race director Graham Jackson said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere. The weather couldn’t have been better and it was brilliant to see so many people in fancy dress and raising money for important causes.

“Runners of all abilities took part in both races (there was a second over 5K) and we would like to thank everyone for making the effort and taking part.”

Following a record number of entries, the start of the route was adapted to allow more space for the runners and it meant that many achieved a personal best.

First to finish in the women’s race was Rachel Burns of Liverpool Harriers in 35:58, with Kirsty Longley of Liverpool Pembroke second and Gwen Kinsey of Stroud and District third.

The men’s 5K race was won by Chris Nicol and the women’s 5K by Rebecca Donohue.

Many runners donned fancy dress to raise money in aid of their chosen charities – including a team of 15 in brightly coloured 80s-style outfits raising money for two-year-old Anna Brooks, who has been diagnosed with leukaemia.

Anna, who lives in Rossendale, took part in the 5K race with mum Cath, who pushed her pushchair around the race.

Jackson said: “Over the past few years these races have continued to grow to become some of the most popular in Greater Manchester.

“The route around Salford Quays and MediaCityUK has proven to be extremely popular and makes it a fun race to be part of. It was great to see runners of all abilities take part and the 5K race was really popular.”

The race is organised by Sports Tours International, one of the UK’s largest specialist sports travel companies.

The next 10K race is the inaugural Grand 10K run at Aintree Racecourse, which takes place on Sunday, September 22.

For more information visit www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk, call 0161-703-5806 or e-mail graham@sportstoursinternational.co.uk.