Thousands Take Part In Very Wet Greater Manchester Marathon

30 April 2012, 09:03 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Thousands of runners and spectators battled the elements and descended on Greater Manchester for the first marathon in 10 years.

Eight thousand runners registered for the event but it looks like the weather may have put some people off because only around 4,500 set off from Longford Park in Stretford

They battled gale force winds and downpours on the 26.2 mile route, which took runners out to MUFC's Old Trafford stadium, Sale, Altrincham and back to the park.

The marathon was last held in 2002 but the Altrincham-based sports management company Xtra Mile Events and Trafford Council decided it was time to bring it back.

Organisers hope that runners will have raised 1 million pounds for charity.

Capital spoke to these runners after they crossed the finish line..

Greater Manchester Marathon Runners Cross The Finish Line

Rachel from the Capital Breakfast Show and Capital presenter Ant Payne, both crossed the finish line in over 5 hours, they did it to raise money for Help A Capital Child

If you want to sponsor Rachel and Ant head to their donation page HERE

Rob and Wingman were there to cheer runners on at the start and finish line at Longford Park.

It took Ant over 5 hours and after finishing he had a little chat with our reporter..

Capital Present Ant Payne at the Greater Manchester Marathon

Dozens of celebrities took part including comedian and actor Steve Coogan, originally from Middleton, who ran the race with his brother Kevin.

Most of the people who finished thanked the hundreds of people who lined the streets cheering them on despite the bad weather.

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