All of the participants in the Manchester Half are set to receive one of dozens of different medals in a first for the event.

The half marathon returns to the area on October 15 with a route which starts in Old Trafford and runs through Sale and Stretford as well as the city centre.

The theme is 'Express Yourself' and all of the participants in the Manchester Half are set to receive one of dozens of different medals in a first for the event.

There are six different designs celebrating icons of Greater Manchester from Alan Turing to Noel Gallagher and six different ribbons in a range of colours and combinations.

Messenger Newspapers: The medals celebrate icons of Greater Manchester

Additionally, runners are able to create their own bib by choosing a background, choosing an emoji and choosing a flag. They are able to add their reason for running as well.

Currently, the most popular background is the rainbow, the most popular emoji is the bee and the most popular flag is the Union Jack.

The Union Jack is followed by the flag of St George, the flag of Greater Manchester and, unusually, the Jolly Roger.

The aim is to encourage everyone to celebrate their individuality and to express their uniqueness to the world.

Andrew Smith, the chief executive of organiser Human Race, said: "We are excited to introduce this edition of the Manchester Half and to provide a platform for the participants to celebrate their individuality.

“The Manchester Half is about a sense of community and we believe, by encouraging self-expression, we can create an even more inclusive and vibrant event.

The half marathon returns to the area on October 15 with a route which starts in Old Trafford and runs through Sale and Stretford as well as the city centre.

For information go to MCRHalf.co.uk. 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.