Alzheimer's Society stars lead record turnout of runners in Bupa Great Manchester Run

Over 2,400 people took to the grey and rainy streets of Manchester yesterday to take part in the Bupa Great Manchester Run and raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society.

Leading the pack was the Society's celebrity team, Ashes to Ashes star, Dean Andrews, half of children's comic duo Dick and Dom, Richard McCourt, Lakes and No Angels star, Kaye Wragg, and her husband, TV presenter and fitness trainer, Jamie Darling.

While Haile Gebrselassie ran to a fourth victory with a time of 28:10, Alzheimer's Society supporters Dean, Richard, and Kaye, took a more leisurely pace of 01:13:20, 01:05:15 and 01:19:26 respectively, while Jamie clocked up an impressive 00:46:12 and then went on to take part in the Bupa Great Swim. Yorkshireman Dean Andrews commented:

'It was jolly hard work, but we all had a fabulous day. The atmosphere was incredible and we're all very proud to have been running for such a worthwhile cause.'

However, leaving the celebrity team in the shade, was 27 year old Ryan Bradley from Stockport who ran in honour of his grandfather, Robert, who died last year with Alzheimer's disease. Ryan said:

'I really enjoyed yesterday and made it to the finish line in 45:06. I knocked 7 minutes and 32 seconds off last year's time, which was brilliant. The support from the crowds and Alzheimer's Society cheerpoint really helps keep you going, especially on the final straight. Running for such an important charity and raising money to help a cause so close to my heart is the best motivation you could ask for.'

Alzheimer's Society is aiming to raise over £175,000 from the Bupa Great Manchester Run this year.

Dr Graham Stokes, Bupa's director of dementia care, explains why Alzheimer's Society was a natural choice to be the nominated charity: 'We're very pleased to be supporting Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland for a third year. As the UK's leading provider of dementia care, we're committed to helping people with the disease to live well. We understand how important it is to work with Alzheimer's Society to support people with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow. Signing up to support the Alzheimer's charities in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, help reduce your risk of dementia and raise money for a very worthwhile cause.'