"My weight loss makes me really proud."

Uzair Shafique has turned his life around, lost more than eight stone and is taking part in the Great Manchester Run this weekend.

Uzair is running for Cancer Research on Sunday and he told BBC Get Inspired that he is "really proud" of his weight loss, having been 23st 7lb stone when he took up running.

To read more motivational stories on the BBC Get Inspired website, click here.

Great work Callum, and to all the fundraisers out there today.

There will be an extra-special moment for one finisher today, who will be the 300,000th Great Manchester Run finisher.

A very proud moment for a great event.

Paula Radcliffe
Women's marathon world record holder on BBC Two

"It’s really great because it’s like your part of a family of runners, you become part of that family, and everybody out there today will have shared that story out on the course.

"That’s what’s great, that camaraderie. Running really is special, and it’s bringing people together today."

A great sight seeing 1,100 runners from the University of Manchester crossing the start line earlier (see 12:38).

Inspiral Carpets keyboardist and Manchester legend Clint Boon there. Whatever the Boon Army is, I want to be in it.

Former GB sprinter and World Champion Iwan Thomas who has just finished his race: "The people of Manchester, the crowds and the fellow runners are amazing.

"The people dragged me around. I am just so proud of everyone who ran today - everyone runs for their own reason.

"Anyone can do a race like this, it doesn’t matter what shape or size you are, get off the sofa and do some running."

Image source, BBC Sport

Tirunesh Dibaba's hopes of making the plane to Rio are still alive, and she was delighted with her first race back after the birth of her child.

"I am so happy that I have won this race, I was trying to test myself and it has proven to be very good for me."

Strong words from Kenenisa Bekele to the Ethiopian selectors, after he was left out of the squad to Rio.

"I have showed [the selectors] before, of course I’m not happy about it.

"Three weeks after the London marathon I have won here, I’m so happy to come back after two years.

"It’s a big crowd, the people here are great people, they love to watch sport and I’m happy to be here."  

Faye Brooks of Coronation Street fame will be running today. 

Incidentally, she'll head straight past the set of the cobbled street as the route approaches the 6K mark. Maybe she'll give it a little wave as she passes.

This is the view of Deansgate waiting for the runners to arrive. 

If you're out on the course send us your pictures.

If you spot 1100 runners all in matching purple t-shirts then they're all from Manchester University, raising money for various charities.  

Nata Acquah from the university: "This is my first ever run so I am petrified. 

"it has been incredible at the university, a really great buzz.

"Collectively we are hoping to raise over £11,000."

Image source, BBC Sport

Some reaction from our wheelchair race winners.

Shelly Woods: "It’s a brilliant atmosphere I always love coming here to race, the course is quick too, a bit bumpy but good fun."

Simon Lawson: "It was a really good race today, nice weather – better than yesterday’s rain!"

As ever in Manchester, the weather is at the forefront of everybody's minds, but for the right reasons for once today! 

Have you been inspired by the those out there running today?

Well don't worry, BBC Get Inspired has teamed up with Public Health England’s One You campaign to bring you the Couch to 5K programme.

The nine week plan designed for those who have done little or no running will have you winning 5K by the final week.

There's a tough choice coming up for the runners as they head towards the finish line on Deansgate. 

Do you accept the jelly sweets handed out at the water stations? 

Sure, they give you a boost of energy but can also give you a dry mouth.

Difficult decision.

Here's a great picture of Kenenisa Bekele crossing the finish line as he won his second Great Manchester Run.

Image source, PA

Jonathan Edwards
Two-time world champion and BBC athletics expert

"It really is a beautiful day after the rain of Friday and yesterday. It’s almost a little bit warm."

This is scorching for Manchester, Jonathan!

Wise words from Coronation Street's Fiz Brown. 

There's a number of Corrie stars out there running today to watch out for, no stopping at the Rovers en route though.

The 'Blue Wave' are about to start their race and are currently going through their warm-up. 

Arms up in the air, they look like a group of German football supporters mid-chant.

Image source, BBC Sport