The challenge is set and the training has started for this year’s Asics Greater Manchester Marathon.
Runners from all over the world will pound the region’s streets on April 8 and Manchester Evening News has its very own 10-athlete strong team representing our We Stand Together campaign.
There were dozens of entries all from deserving runners taking on the incredible feat of a 26.2 mile run.
But we were only able to choose 10. So here are the inspirational runners taking on the marathon with us.
The team will be supporting the We Stand Together campaign - which aims for a more peaceful Greater Manchester. We want to make sure every child in Greater Manchester is given the chance to learn about peace and how to solve problems without turning to violence; To encourage and celebrate acts of love and kindness and to help fight every kind of crime which is driven by hatred.
Each runner can raise sponsorship money for their own specific cause alongside support for the campaign.
Let’s meet our incredible team of athletes:
Sajid Javid, 41, Whitefield, Bury
The dad-of-four settled in Manchester 13 years ago after growing up in Pakistan,
He said the marathon will be a big challenge for him but wants to get fitter so is excited to take part.
Sajid, who is an accountant in Manchester, said: “I myself was an immigrant and settled in the UK nearly 13 years ago, I worked very hard since day one, and now I am a qualified accountant. I want to show people that not all Muslims are not bad and there are only a few who are extremist. We discourage and don’t support extremist people, they have no place in our British society.
“I want to prove we can stand together.”
He has run as a hobby for several years and is aiming just to complete the marathon, with no set time in mind.
Sajid added: “It will be a big challenge for me. I will try my best just to finish.”
He will donate his sponsorship to the Disaster Emergency Committee.
Andria Kennedy, 47, Sale
Andria has been running for several years and has ran marathons in the warmth of Spain’s bright sunshine so is hoping for similar weather in April.
She said: “It’s going to be fantastic to represent Manchester in the We Stand Together team. I’ve been lucky enough to complete a marathon abroad but I’m sure the atmosphere will be electric on home ground. I’m looking forward to it.”
Andria is aiming to complete the marathon in four and a half hours.
She hasn’t chosen a charity as of yet.
Macauley Pedder, 21, Reddish, Stockport
Macauley was put forward to run the marathon by his mum, Jaquee, after a difficult year.
His dad, Dave, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and battled an invasive operation and subsequent radiation therapy.
Jaquee said her son was incredible and supportive throughout it all and running was his way to deal with everything.
His dad had the all clear six weeks ago so said it will be great to look forward to the run.
He has ran three 10km and Stockport 10 mile race in December and is set to do the Wimslow half marathon in March.
Macauley hopes he will finish the marathon in three and a half hours.
He will raise money for The Christie.
Macauley, a trainee accountant, said: “Running the marathon will be a massive achievement for myself as it’s something that has always been on my bucket list to do. It’ll mean a lot to raise money for the charity that helped my dad out so much.”
Dave Scally, 34, Stockport
He has decided to run the marathon in memory of the 22 victims of the Arena attack - running a mile for each person who was killed.
He said: “After the attack I went to Martyn Hett’s vigil. Afterwards, I met his stepfather who gave me a massive hug and told me to Be More Martyn and spread the love. I’d love to do this to show the Be More Martyn spirit.
“I love this city and would love to pound its streets, running a mile for each victim.”
Dave has ran several 10km races in the past and is hoping to complete the marathon in under five hours.
He added: “I always wanted to run a marathon, and knowing I’m doing it for such an important cause is just the inspiration I need to get the training done and over the finish line.
“I will be doing it directly for the We Stand Together campaign.”
Aaron Smith, 26, Swinton, Manchester
The dad-of-one warehouse worker is running the marathon in memory of his mum, Marie, who died in 2011 after a heart problem.
He said: “I wanted to run in memory of my late mother who always attended my sport events as a kid.”
Aaron added: “I am a smoker so I am giving up and want to get healthier. This is a way of doing that and giving something back.”
He will raise money for Wood Street Mission, a charity dedicated to helping children in poverty across Greater Manchester.
Aaron said: “I have run a lot in the past but had slowed it down. But I guess I will need to increase that now.
“I am so grateful to be running with the We Stand Together team as it’s how I see the city should be. We have been through so much as a city and have come out the other end bigger, better and stronger. Let’s get this marathon smashed and raise awareness of the campaign.”
He is hoping to get around the course in five hours.
Ashley Cox, 29, Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire
Ashley, a dad-of-three, is running to raise money for The Christie, in memory of his grandmother.
Ashley said: “The main reason for wanting to do the Manchester marathon is for my grandma who passed away of cancer. She had battled from being in her 40s and was always brave and a inspiration to me and my family.
“She had one special quote, ‘what have you done today to make you feel proud?’ - from an M People song. She asked me this on a regular basis when growing up and now I look back and to the this day, I ask myself that question. This is my chance to raise some money for the Christie in Manchester and make myself and family proud.”
He has ran Manchester 10km and enjoy fell running and is hoping to finish in four and a half hours.
Jamie Thompson, 41, Eccles, Salford
Jamie is also raising money for The Christie and having lost more than eight stones in the past 18 months will make the marathon much easier.
The 41-year-old is currently training six days a week and is already comfortably running 14 miles.
He wanted to be part of the team to inspire others to get in shape.
Jamie, who works in a warehouse and as a postman, said: “I’ve never been a runner, but now I love it. I used to smoke and was overweight but that has all changed thanks to running. I run 3 times a week but just up it now to six times a week as I am training for the marathon.”
He ran Manchester Half Marathon last year and expects to finish the 26.2 mile course in four and a half hours.
Jamie said: “Taking part in the marathon as part of the team means a lot - I feel passionately about children being educated about solving problems without violence, children need positive role models who are able to share kindness and acts of love. I feel honoured to be able to take part in the marathon and show my support.”
Ria Bright, 50, Edenfield
Ria is no stranger to running and has already completed an impressive 43 marathons and 24 ultra-marathons.
The 50-year-old is excited to be part of a team on the day as she usually runs alone.
She said: “I ran in the Great Manchester half marathon just after the Arena bombing and the feeling of coming together and not being afraid to gather together was very special.
“I’ve done 67 marathons and ultra marathons, so could maybe pass on some tips to the first timers. Though I’m not fast, and still trying to run the distance in under five hours.
“As I normally run marathons just for myself and all alone, plus also always train alone, it will be exciting to be a part of something bigger and in Manchester.”
She is raising money for a cat shelter in Romania.
Finally, our very own reporters Charlotte Dobson and Rebecca Day.
Charlotte Dobson, 30, Chorlton
The education reporter is an avid runner and has ran two half marathons and many more 10kms.
She is hoping to complete the marathon in four and a half hours and will raise money for The Booth Centre in Manchester.
Charlotte said: “I’m really excited to be tackling my first ever marathon as part of the MEN’s We Stand Together team.
“It’s a campaign and cause that as a local reporter in Manchester is very close to my heart. It’s a going to be a great day to celebrate all things positive about our city.”
Rebecca Day, 29, Didsbury
The breaking news reporter has also ran several half marathons and 10km in the past and will donate sponsorship to The Booth Centre.
She is aiming to complete the marathon in five hours.
Rebecca said: “The Booth Centre is a great local charity which helps homeless people get back on their feet through advice and support. Volunteers also serve breakfast and lunch every day. They run skills workshops and activities to help people who are living on the street build up their confidence.
“I’m so proud to be running for The We Stand Together team. Manchester is a fantastic city and the strength and resilience its people have shown in the last year is heartwarming. The campaign is a great testament to that and I’m honoured to be a part of the team representing it in this year’s marathon.
“I feel honoured to be part of such an incredible team of runners. There’s going to be a lot of training involved but the motivation of doing this as a team will get me through. I’m really excited to meet all of the other runners to do this as a team.”
Nick Rusling, CEO of ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon said: “Congratulations to the MEN for doing such spectacular work recruiting marathon runners for Team Let’s Stand Together. January is a great time to start training for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and we wish them all the best in their endeavours. We also look forward to reading about their progress as we expect it to be informative and inspiring for all those who are going to take part in the UK’s fastest, flattest and friendliest marathon in April.”
Visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com for more details of the run.
