Thousands take part in city run

Some 31,000 runners are taking part in the event

Crowds packed the streets of central Manchester to cheer on 31,000 runners in the Bupa Great Manchester Run.

Runners of all abilities were taking part in the 10km road race, which has grown in popularity.

Runners and spectators lined up in the sunshine as football legend Denis Law and Olympic cycling hope Rebecca Romero started the event on Sunday morning.

Jo Pavey became the first woman to defend her title with a convincing victory in the woman's race.

She headed off her challengers in the final kilometre by 10 seconds in a time of 31 minutes and 58 seconds.

Austrian Gunther Weidlinger won a thrilling men's race in a time of 28 minutes 10 seconds.

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The elite athletes were followed by thousands more runners, many of whom are raising money for charity.

Organisers were forced to turn away thousands of applicants for the 2008 event, which was also being shown later on television.

A series of roads were closed for the event and traffic diversions put in place.

Some of the city's main road - Portland Street, Chepstow Street, Great Bridgewater Street, Princess Street and Oxford Street - were expected to reopen at about 1245 BST.

A full list of affected roads is available on the official website of the Great Manchester Run.