Heat, sweat and cheers

Adrian Smith took on the streets – and the heat – when he completed the Great Manchester Run Half Marathon in aid of charity.

The principal planning officer at Rossendale Council completed the 13.1 miles in 1 hour 50 minutes and 46 seconds ­– finishing 24th in his age group and 994th overall.

He was raising money for two charities: Open Doors, which helps Christians around the world fleeing persecution, and Stand by Me, which rescues children from extreme poverty and abuse in countries like Nepal, Burma and Ethiopia.

The warm weather meant conditions were not ideal for the thousands of runners taking part.

Although Adrian has previously run a marathon in the Middle East, he still struggled with the heat in Manchester and said:

It was good but it was hard work. The heat was really tiring and one of the runners in front of me said “it’s brutal”.

I ran the last four miles with a chap from Colombia, one of the countries both the charities I am supporting work in. The mutual support is invaluable when your legs are screaming and you just want to stop.

Adrian has so far raised more than £800 – to add to the £11,000 from previous fundraising efforts – and his next race is the Great North Run in September.

He added:

Thanks to everyone at the council for their support.

To sponsor Adrian visit his Just Giving pages for Open Doors,  Stand by Me or for both charities.