You were amazing (From Messenger Newspapers)

You were amazing

1:23pm Friday 4th May 2012 in Your Letters

AS a first-time entrant, I ran the Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday and attempted to raise some funds for The Christie.

We were not let down by our fair city’s reputation for poor weather and conditions were absolutely horrendous, but that just served to prove how amazing our local spirit can be.

The support on the course was absolutely amazing and those people who stayed out in the miserable weather, really do not know how much of a lift they gave to the runners.

Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, Bowdon, Dunham, Partington, Carrington, Flixton, Urmston and Stretford were out in numbers to keep us going.

Particular highlights for me were Altrincham Centre, what an amazing reception you gave us.

Running back through Urmston, knowing the end was in sight and coming into Stretford, the volume got louder.

I ran past The Christie supporters on Kingsway and seeing my vest, they gave me a great shout. I’ll never forget the feeling as I emerged from the underpass at Stretford and climbed the hill on Edge Lane.

So many faces and so much noise gave me all the motivation I needed to get to the finish and what a finish it was.

I rounded the last bend into Longford Park and saw a long, narrow approach to the line. Supporters were packed in on both sides and willing on friends and strangers alike. Thanks for staying out, you made all the difference.

Huge thanks to all the marshals and volunteers as well.

Giving up your time on a day like that deserves a special mention.

Paul Partington, Davyhulme