A STRETFORD resident proposed to his girlfriend during the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford on Sunday, writes Adam Martin.

Luko O' Brien, 26 was left delighted when his partner of six years, Emma Moore, 25, who was a spectator, accepted his proposal - which took place in the Flixton section of the 26.2 mile course.

Luke told Messenger: "It worked out really well - I got a little more emotional than I thought I would, but looking back, I think that added to the romance of it.

“All of my family and Emma's family who witnessed it have said it was a beautiful proposal.

"After the proposal, my calves, right hamstring and right foot started cramping also and rapidly got worse and I wasn't able to get a new personal best.

"I was nervous in the weeks leading up to the race, but it made the training easier."

Despite managing to finish the race in four hours and 23 minutes, the proposal was the most important aspect of the day for Luke, who will have a few weeks off running before beginning training for the Lisbon Marathon.

"I think the proposal had an impact upon my overall time, but this race was always more about Emma.

“I will have plenty of chances at getting a new personal best, but only one shot at the perfect proposal and, hopefully, I succeeded.

“Emma seemed over the moon"

Luke, a Trafford Council employee, and Emma, who works for the NSPCC, plan to wed in the next two years.