Well, what can we say? A fab day, as it always is at GMR! Arrived to find Shazzoah there ready and waiting. We bumped into AndyB + the steve's, etc on the way into the charity village and then soon everyone was arriving. JamieB, Laura (and then Andy), Mick+DD, Jonners, Terrie and family, Kitten&co, Kraftykat and kelvin (did I miss anyone?!?! I hope not!!). It was such an exciting day finding and waving at everyone all over the place, I actually ended up accidentily waving at and saying hello to Billy Mitchell from Eastenders at the Alzheimer's Soc charity tent. oops. He looked scared and Chris delighted in telling everyone what I'd done. Perhaps it's time to spend less time watching 'Enders when you think you actually KNOW the people on it...  Also breifly saw MotherH and some of the H family members that we met at the bbq saturday night before the race.

Anyhoo - assembly time seemed to come round very soon and we lined up with JamieB. It was brilliant, he was getting the crowd going (well - trying to!!) and flirting with all the lady celebs! So much fun and I think we would have missed Mick if not for Jamie! We did cut RIGHT across the road to get to Mick but it had to be done!! A hug and a hello and we were off again! We had a great time running with Jamie for the first few KM and then he was off. Sorry we didn't catch you again matey but we did see MiniB+family by the Audi garage, so assumed you were feeling good and off for a good run!

Tough run for us mentally (and felt a lot more crowded a bit more pushy than last year) today but made better with the high-fiving and encouraging other runners. Some friends were watching at the Imperial War Museum (about 5.5km) and it was fantastic to see them and run over (across the road again in the other direction) for high-fives and hugs! Passed the Children's Hospital bus (Chris' charity and where he works) and he ran over in front of all of them and bigged them up BIG style - they went CRAZY screaming and banging their drums. It was brilliant. We slowed for a little while, the wind was tough. Kept an eye on the other side of the road and saw the brilliant ladies Shazz and Terrie and high-fived over the barrier and shouted a couple of words encouragment. Soon (but didn't feel soon enough) we got to 9km. We got a lovely big cheer from Alison (kraftykat) and Kelvin and managed a little wave back - thank you for the support, it was lovely! That last km seemed to go on forever but we got there in the end, crossed the line hand in hand and a bit emotional at 59:19. Pleased to bits with that, were aiming for under the hour - job done!

Bumped into kitten just past t-shirt collection and then collected Babykitten and bf before heading back to G-Mex. Hung out for a bit, said our goodbyes and then went back to the finish to cheer on some runners. Saw one of the H family go past and shouted but don't know if he heard us. Stayed and cheered people in (in the pouring rain at this point) until we saw MotherH finish in her soaking wet costume!! She was looking great though and glided past us with a big smile! Went back up to the G-Mex to meet up with her and the rest of the crew (Martin, Dangerous Dunc and other H's) to say well done and good bye. Speaking of which - just saw the bbc footage of Dunc and Martin in the bras - very nice boys!!

Gave MotherH and Martin a big hug goodbye after MotherH arrived and then we got some massages from some ex-marines at the Children's Hospital stall before heading to the pub for lunch. All in all a great day. We will be back next year and hope you all will be, too!!

Well done to everyone at GMR today and to Andy and anyone else racing!!! (and to everyone else just out there, buzzing and being part of the community!!)

Big Love from Mancunia!
(((HUGS)))

Pam and Chris (Pam and Chris!!!)
xx