AROUND 20,000 people took part in the Manchester Marathon today.

They pounded the gruelling 26.2 miles of street to raise money for their favourite charities.

The ASICS Manchester Marathon ­— billed as the fastest and flatest marathon ­— takes runners from Old Trafford, down to Sale and Altrincham before looping back up through Urmston and Stretford.

The marathon was won by Aaron Richmond who finished with a personal best time of 2hrs 21mins 34secs, Jenny Spink won the women's race with a time of 2hrs 35mins 19secs.

The wheelchair marathon was won by Simon Lawson who managed an impressive time of 1hr 31mins 52secs.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also ran the race today, completing half the distance as part of a relay.

Mr Burnham ran as training for the Boston Marathon next week (Monday).

Mr Burnham has been invited to run the Boston Marathon by the One World Strong Foundation, an organisation founded by survivors of the Boston bombings which brings together victims of terrorism around the world. They came to Manchester on the one year anniversary of the Manchester attack.

The Mayor hopes to raise £10,000 to share between the One World Strong Foundation and charities set up by the families of victims of the arena attack.

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/burnham-boston online.