It started out as a bit of fun. A chance to get a bit fit, lose a few pounds and make a few for charity. But at £30 just to enter, is it becoming a victim of its own success? There’s no doubt that it is a great success - 31,000 people running/jogging/walking for themselves, for charities and for the sake of it - but it’s not one for the the purists. Firstly the cost - does anyone know where the £30 goes? I’m sure the cost of marshalling such an event doesn’t cost £1 million? I’d rather run around a country park for a fiver!

Secondly, with 31,000 runners, and some very tight bends early on - how can anyone get a decent time? It’s a run for the masses, not for runners.

Finally, it’s not the prettiest of routes - it should be called the Great Manchester/Trafford & Salford Run - the sight of some container yards as you ran into Trafford Park was hardly New York?

I love Manchester, it’s a great place to live, work and enjoy, but it isn’t a Great Manchester Run and nor will it ever be!