Bury Running Festival: Thousands of runners cheered on

Many lined the streets and the route with umbrellas and big coats, but despite the wet weather, spirits remained high.

People ran for different reasons, with some raising money for a number of charities including the event’s official partner charities: Bury Hospice and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

@theburytimes What a great effort took part in the #bury10k and they were not put off by the wet weather 🥳🙌Read the full story here: https://shorturl.at/couDS #bury #10k #running #race ♬ original sound - The Bury Times

Emily Caar was overjoyed when she got the first place female medal.

She said: “It feels really good.

“It’s the first one I’ve done for four years.

“It’s nice to get over the finish line.

“When you see that 400 metres, you think God I’m nearly there.”

Emily Caar in the middle with two other female winners who came 2nd and 3rd (Image: Danny Crompton)Saf Benzair took part with his girlfriend Olivia Mellor and was happy to finish but looking forward to going for a pizza to refuel after.

Saf said: “It’s a great memorable occasion and I’m happy to get over the finish line.

“I must admit that the organisation was spot on.

“It’s been amazing. It’s a shame about the rain, but you know, when in Bury.”

Saf Benzair took part with his girlfriend Olivia Mellor (Image: Newsquest)Lorraine Beaumont came to support her 25-year-old nephew Graham Scholes who sadly lost his mum Bev to lung cancer a couple of weeks ago.

She said: “We’re doing this in memory of her, and we all came here as a family.

“This is also for him and his own personal achievement.”

Lorraine Beaumont on the left with her family (Image: Newsquest)Rachel Brown from Heywood came to support her partner Lewis Cook who only did a 10k on Thursday (September 28).

He also plans to do Rochdale 10k next week after getting the bug for running.

She said: “He just loves running, and he gets in as much training as he can.

“This is the third one in about two weeks.

“I’m always here rain or sunshine supporting him. I couldn’t do it though, but I’m always really proud of him.”

Supporter Rachel Brown (Image: Newsquest)Bury East councillor Cllr Ummrana Farooq also came to support the town along with the Mayor of the borough Sandra Walmsley.

Cllr Farooq said: “It’s about supporting charities and people getting active as well.

“And I think it’s been a good turnout despite the grim weather.

“And I think it’s all about taking part really.”

Mayor Walmsley spoke says she was impressed with the turnout this year, which was even better than last year’s.

She said: “The Bury 10k has been going for a few years now, and it’s just becoming more and more popular which is really good.

“It’s good to see the community coming together to support the event.”