Thousands take to streets for city half-marathon

Hundreds of runners set off en masse at the starting point in the fog. Trees line the road to the side.A.S.O. UK

Organisers say about £1.5m have been raised for charities

About 26,000 people have pounded the streets of Greater Manchester for the annual half-marathon.

They ran 13.1 miles (21km) through the fog on a route that started near Manchester United's stadium, passed near the city centre, and culminated at Lancashire cricket ground.

Organisers said the event raised about £1.5m for national and local charities.

Ninety-year-old Gordon Aaron, who completed his first half-marathon in 2019, and Gladiators contestant Aneila Afsar were among runners taking part in the event, which held its first race in 2016.

Aneila Afsar, who is wearing a dark outfit and red hijab scarf, runs while pushing a buggy with her child. She is surrounded by scores of other participants as they run down a wide road.A.S.O. UK

Gladiators 2025 runner-up Aneila Afsar pushed her daughter in a buggy, having said "my children will be my motivation not my limitation"

Group shot of four male friends smiling as they wear a green caterpillar costume and give thumbs up. They are at the finishing line with other runners coming behind them.A.S.O. UK

These friends ran in a caterpillar costume and formation along the 13-mile route

Thousands of runners mass at the start line raising their arms and smiling with an arch above them int he background that has a sign saying "Welcome and good luck". There is fog above.A.S.O. UK

The fog didn't dampen spirits at the Sunday morning start

A line of hundreds of spectators watching from behind the metal railings on the route.A.S.O. UK

Hundreds of spectators cheered on family and friends taking part

Group picture of Calum Lill in a blue top, and Harriet Bibby and Channique Sterling-Brown who are wearing black tops near the starting point. They are all grinning and giving thumbs-up signs. Other runners are behind them as they wait to start.A.S.O. UK

Coronation Street actors Calum Lill, Harriet Bibby and Channique Sterling-Brown were in high spirits at the start

Gordon Aaron smiles and holds up his medal as he poses for a picture in Old Trafford cricket ground. He wears a blue cap and a blue top with Alzheimer's Society branded on it.A.S.O. UK

Oldest participant Gordon Aaron, who turned 90 in August, has now completed five Manchester half-marathons

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