A Bank Holiday and Manchester town centre is warm and sunny, well that will make for a good television image at least. In what was billed as Britain's newest mass participation event, the senior 10k road race was the major event on this early morning start, but as the club had been invited to assist with the organisation, it only left the juniors members to participate in their 3k race.

Starting at Exchange Square, the junior event went along Cross Street, through Albert Square, and out on the senior route, before turning back and finishing just inside GMEX.

The junior race for ages 7 - 14 started at 9-00, and had over 900 entries. All these entrants had already received their T-shirts and most were already wearing them as they assembled for the start. On the front row were several of the Bury AC runners, but the most highly visible were Alix and Evie McDermott, as they were wearing their club vests.

The marshals at the start were from the club, but in addition to her duties there, Lesley McDermott volunteered for the position of "Last Runner Marshal ". Her job was to follow the junior race, and encourage the back markers to complete the course. A difficult job, but one that Lesley enjoyed and performed well.

The junior race start was just one mass sprint, with all the competitors excited and anxious. Once away then the juniors quickly spread out, but with the road clear ahead of him Bury's Scott McManus was always up there at the front. Clearly enjoying the atmosphere of the city centre road race, Scott was able to pull away from any challenge and as he ran up the ramp into GMEX, he knew he had won the inaugural Entenmann's Junior Great Manchester Run. He finished the 3k in the time of 9.32.

Another who ran well was Keeley Bulger who finished 32nd in 11.48, with Nicola Ryan 55th 12.10, and Danielle Blundell 71st, 12.75.

Alix McDermott had a very strong run, particularly enjoying the race up the ramp into GMEX, and her 72nd position overall in 12.27, masked the fact that she was 26th girl to finish. Her time, however, may cause some friction within the McDermott household, as Alix has now run 3k faster than her mother Lesley!!!!!

Four places behind Alix was Chloe Wilson 76th in 12.32, then came Amy Chapman 152, 13.39 before Evie McDermott arrived. Her 180th overall position, 60th girl to finish, was a good run that will keep both her mother and sister training hard to stay ahead of her.

Nicholas Barker 185th, 14.07, and Holly Chapman 206th 14.24, completed the Bury A.C. members in what was an exciting and memorable morning, especially for Scott McManus and his winning performance.

Thanks to all those club members who contributed to what was a superb team effort.