A number of runners with inspirational stories came together in Manchester City centre on the March 15 to kick-off the 10-week countdown to the Great Manchester Run.

These four runner have been immortalised in a piece of artwork created by a local artist in honour of their dedication and to celebrate the Great Manchester Run's 20th year.

The race first took place in 2003 and the 10k grew to be one of the largest in Europe and attracts thousands of new and returning runners each year.

This year it will hit its two decade milestone on Sunday the 21st of May and thousands are once again expected to be seen on the starting line.