Despite forecasts of heavy rain, athletes, amateurs and audience alike from Salford and beyond made the second year of the Media City Half Marathon a success.
With Mind in Salford as their official charity partner, this RunThrough UK event brought forth strong community spirit and personal determination.
The 13.1-mile race saw hundreds of runners complete a circular, two-lap course through Salford and Eccles before returning along the scenic Salford Quays waterfront to the Piazza Stan Ogden in Media City.
Harriet Lucero, training for a Guinness World Record attempt as the “fastest female to run a marathon dressed in a football kit”, ran in studded boots and a ball in hand. The Manchester mum, who already has impressive PBs from the Manchester Marathon, is now determined to take on the London Marathon this April in a unique way.
In a candid interview with Quays News, Harriet said: “I got lucky in the ballot for the London Marathon, and my son’s football team, Winton Wanderers, is fantastic. They support all levels of players; good, bad, everybody. So, I wanted to support the club.
“I was also looking for a world record that was achievable for somebody who runs at the speed that I run.
“However, I thought running in the spiked boots on the hard road surface would be difficult. I didn’t realise holding the ball throughout would be an even bigger challenge.”
Running has played a significant role in Harriet’s mental health journey and motivated her to support Mind in Salford.
“I would be facing burnout and probably be out of work if I weren’t doing some form of exercise. Getting outdoors is fantastic for mental well-being,” she added.
She described the Salford race as a “slow and steady-paced” practice run on a flat surface with a friend. Harriet is now preparing for a faster, more demanding course at the London Marathon in April, where she hopes to secure the record.
Beyond individual goals, a common theme of overcoming adversity emerged among participants, whether coping with mental health challenges, staying motivated during winter, or running in memory of loved ones.
First-time runner Steven, a mental health nurse, said the colder months pose challenges for physical fitness and emotional well-being. He believes overcoming procrastination often begins with small steps.
“Once the shoes are on, I find it easier to get out of the door,” he said.
He added that a sense of belonging also plays an important role:
“Everyone needs a community, a purpose, and a goal to strive for.”
Salford resident and former University of Salford student Simon Rowbotham echoed similar sentiments after completing the race.
“Mind in Salford does very good work in an under-resourced area. I took part in the half-marathon through them last year as well – not just to celebrate the city that we live in, but also to raise money for a good cause.”
The well-known mental health charity provides counselling, advocacy, and peer support across Greater Manchester.
Through events like the half-marathon, the organisation aims to encourage people “to talk openly about their mental health” and support those experiencing difficulties across the community.
Charity spokesperson Paola Fish said being active can help people feel better emotionally by increasing the feel-good hormone endorphins.
“Movement plays an important role in boosting wellbeing and has many benefits, including managing stress, improving sleep, and lifting mood,” she said.
“Taking on a challenge like a half-marathon can help build self-confidence and remind people what they’re capable of, while also being part of a supportive community, whether running for themselves, for better mental health, all striding for a happier Salford.”
As runners crossed the finish line, medals were handed out to applause from supporters along the waterfront. For some, the experience was cathartic. For others, it was a moment of exhilaration and pride.
Cheshire-based indie rock band Unit-17 performed live, adding to the atmosphere and helping keep spirits high throughout the event.
Alongside Mind, several other charities and community groups also took part, including Debra UK, Bowel Cancer UK, Blackburn Sunbirds and Hyde Running Community.
RunThrough UK, founded in 2013 by Matt Wood and Ben Green, organises more than 300 events each year, including 5k, 10k, and half marathons, to make races easy to join and affordable across the country.