Thousands of runners finish Great Manchester Run 2014

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-27462692

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More than 30,000 runners have battled warm temperatures to complete the Great Manchester Run 2014.

The 10km event was won by Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba, but thousands of people followed behind to raise money for charities.

Organisers said about £22m had been raised since the first run in 2003.

Among the runners this year were former footballers Phil Neville and Robbie Savage. Soap stars Julie Hesmondhalgh and Denise Welch also took part.

The race, which is now Europe's biggest 10km run, was started as a legacy event after the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

As temperatures reached 22C (72F), organisers installed a 'run-through shower' to help keep runners cool.

Organisers said several people were taken to hospital due to heat exposure, but none was thought to be seriously unwell.

The route, which started on Portland Street and ended on Deansgate, took in sights including Old Trafford, the Imperial War Museum and the new Coronation Street set.

"Bands on the Run" sections also provided entertainment around the route.

Speaking ahead of the event, Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook said: "I'm very nervous, I always get a bit nervous. This is the eight time I've done it, so I shouldn't be getting nervous, but I do.

Hook, raising money for the Christie hospital, added: "I've come out with the attitude today to just enjoy it."

David Hart, one of the organisers, said the "party in the streets" was a "massive fundraiser and a brilliant advertisement for Manchester, the sporting capital of the UK".

Ron and Elsie Ogden, 85 and 83 respectively, completed the race for the 10th time this year.

Before the race Elsie, from Newton Heath, said: "Last time I had to wait at the side of the road for 10 minutes to wait for him to catch up so we could finish together."

Ron added: "It's an enjoyable day out, it's just great."