THOUSANDS of runners flocked to Trafford yesterday for the inaugural Aldi Manchester Half Marathon – with organisers hailing it a ‘phenomenal success’.

Despite the wind and rain, spirits weren’t dampened as more than 8,500 runners lined up at the start line at White City at 9am on Sunday October 16.

Hundreds of Trafford residents came out to support the runners and cheered from the sidelines on the 13.1mile course, which went through Stretford, Sale and Old Trafford.

Race Director Simon Hill said: “The Aldi Manchester Half Marathon has been a phenomenal success and we are delighted with the incredible support and uptake the race has received.

"It was fantastic to see the streets of Manchester filled today with thousands of runners and spectators, all contributing to a day of magnificent sporting achievement and superb atmosphere.

"The course was well received and we are proud to have the best on course support and entertainment, making this one of the friendliest races around.”

He added: “Congratulations to all those who crossed the finish line and a big thank you to our volunteers, marshals, entertainment, partners and sponsors who helped us to deliver a successful event.”

A group of ten runners took the lead straight from the start and were still running together at even pace through the half way point, and it wasn't until after the 15km mark that Adam Hickey and Matt Bond managed to extend the gap.

Hickey and Bond were running neck to neck battling it out for the winning title, with Hickey digging deep and pulling away on the final stretch. Hickey crossed the finish line as the winner of the Aldi Manchester Half Marathon in 01:04:41, five seconds ahead of Bond.

Carl Hardman claimed third place in 01:05:37, beating Alastair Watson into fourth place by four seconds.

The women's field was dominated by Rebecca Murray who secured the title with a fantastic sub-73 time of 01:12:59. Runner up Louise Small crossed the finish line in 01:13:47 and Helen Clitheroe of Preston Harriers took third place in 01:15:37. The wheelchair race was won by John Smith in 51:05.

The men’s and women’s winners each collected £2,000 in prize money, with £1,000 going to the runners up, £750 to the third placed runners and further prize money awarded down to 10th position.

With the Aldi Manchester Half Marathon laying its roots as one of the fastest half marathons in the country, organisers were offering generous time bonuses for the inaugural race.

Both Adam Hickey and Matt Bond collected £500 each for running a sub 65mins time, and Rebecca Murray claimed a £500 time bonus for finishing under 73min 30seconds.

Trafford Council leader Sean Anstee said: “As someone who ran in the race I can testify to how well organised and attended an event this was. A big thank you to all involved in sponsoring and organising an event that was attended by thousands of people.

"The Aldi Manchester Half-Marathon highlights all that Trafford has to offer and I look forward to next year’s event.”

For all results please go to manchesterhalfmarathon.com.