Paula Radcliffe Searches For Manchester’S Great Runners

If you think you've got what it takes to be one of Radcliffe's Great Runners then email your details to sixformanchester@greatrun.org with a maximum 100 word summary on why you should make the team.

Legendary athlete Paula Radcliffe has begun the search for 'Radcliffe's Great Runners' – six women who want to get active and inspire others by taking on the Morrisons Great Manchester Run.

Paula, marathon world record holder, is back on home soil in her native North West urging women of all abilities and walks of life to take part in Europe's biggest 10k run through the streets of the city centre on Sunday, May 10, 2015.

Paula, from Northwich, Cheshire, is still running at the age of 41 and overcame a series of injuries to enjoy an illustrious career on the track and road which saw her become a long-distance World and European champion.

Paula said: "I want to find six women who might think that running isn't for them to join me as part of Radcliffe's Great Runners.

“Perhaps you're a mum who hasn't run since your school days? Maybe you're a ‘super gran' who can still show the younger ones a thing or two? Perhaps you're simply carrying a few pounds and you want to get back in shape.

"I want the women of Manchester to come and join me and take on the Morrisons Great Manchester Run. Come on ladies, let's show the rest of the country what you can do."

Sally O'Shea, from Didsbury, is exactly the type of person Paula is looking for; she found herself in a rut, lacked motivation and had never run before. In a bid to raise money for Francis House in memory of her late grandfather, Sally completed the Great Manchester Run last year and hasn't looked back since! She will be back on the startline with up to 40,000 other runners on 10 May.

The Morrisons Great Manchester Run, established in 2003 as a legacy to the Commonwealth Games, is part of the Great Run Series, the world's favourite run.

Nick Collard, Morrisons Group Marketing and Customer Director, said: "The great thing about running is that you only need a pair of trainers to get started. We will be encouraging our colleagues and customers in the North West to take part in the Morrisons Great Manchester Run because now is a great time to begin training and get fitter."

Paula continued: "Women are traditionally outnumbered by men in this event and I want to encourage more women to take up running. Everyone can have their personal goal and reason for taking part. It is often to lead a healthier lifestyle."

You don't have to be Paula Radcliffe to take part. A 10k run is the perfect entry level distance. It's long enough to be a challenge but not too daunting for a first-timer.

Paula will offer training advice to her 'Great Runners' and give them a final pep talk before the run. They will also receive specialist sportswear to help preparations.

You may be a budding elite runner or a complete beginner – whatever your level, Paula would like to hear from you.

For further information and to enter the Morrisons Great Manchester Run visit greatrun.org/Manchester. If you think you've got what it takes to be one of ‘Radcliffe's Great Runners' email your details with a maximum 100-word summary to sixformanchester@greatrun.org by midday on Monday 2 February.