After an incredible year of achievements – Olympic gold in the 800m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year, followed by an MBE, Keely Hodgkinson is on fire and is now set to be the official race starter of the 2025 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run. Atherton’s Keely Hodgkinson has been running her whole life, starting her professional journey at Leigh Harriers, and on Sunday 18th May she will take to the iconic starters platform to set over 35,000 participants on their way, making this the biggest Great Manchester Run in a decade.
Sir Brendan Foster, President of The Great Run Company, said: “Keely was the star of the show last summer at the Paris Olympics. Her determination to win had everyone on the edge of their seats – it was thrilling to watch and a proud moment for the whole British Athletics community!
“So when it came to finding this year’s race starter, there really was only one option for us and we’re delighted Keely will be joining us on the 18 May. From her early days at Leigh Harriers to now being one of the most recognised athletes in the world, she’s definitely a local girl who’s done good and I know she will have inspired many of the runners taking part in this year’s Great Manchester Run.”
Keely Hodgkinson added: “Running in Manchester runs in my blood, my mum and dad were both huge club and distance runners locally and they inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I can’t wait to start this year’s Great Manchester Run, not only to set some of the world’s best runners on their way, but also the thousands of fellow Mancunians who share my love of running!”
At the Paris Olympic Games, the Greater Manchester-born runner ran the women’s 800m final in an astonishing 1:56:72, taking her to victory over Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia and Mary Moraa of Kenya who came second and third. Now, Keely Hodgkinson joins a long list of athletics legends who have performed official starting duties at the Great Manchester Run including Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix, Haile Gebreselassie and Jess Ennis, as well North West heroes such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton and Bobby Robson.
More than 100,000 spectators are set to line the streets to support, and millions more will watch the action live on the BBC from 11am to 1pm. Places for the 10K, Half Marathon and Junior & Mini kids events are expected to sell out in advance, so if you wish to take part secure your spot on the famous start line here.