Organisers promise an even bigger buzz for 2020 with the introduction of a 'Bee Wave' which sees Great Run partner with We Love MCR Charity to celebrate Manchester’s amazing sense of civic pride.

You can be part of this special buzz by wearing a bee outfit and joining hundreds of other runners who are currently dusting off their bee attire in readiness for the race day fun. If needed beewear can be purchased when you enter the event.

There are big plans for the Bee Wave… think thousands of stripy runners, a waggle dance warm-up, beespoke race numbers, a buzzing on-course entertainment zone, and a hive of activity from start to finish line. So don your wings and fly the flag for Manchester. It’s going to be the bee’s knees!

We Love MCR Charity supports communities and young people across the city to thrive and grow, and by joining the Bee Wave you have an opportunity to raise funds and contribute towards an amazing cause.

Even if you decide not to 'bee' you can't fail to have a fun-packed day. Manchester is synonymous with music and Great Manchester Run 2020 offers a great Bands on the Run programme with regular music zones across the half marathon and 10k routes with local DJs, live bands, choirs and drummers.

There are 25 entertainment points on the 10k course (the main event) which equates to an entertainment boost every 400m. That plus regular, and enthusiastic, cheering points will make sure you achieve your goal.

One highlight will be Clint Boon’s Boon Army stage which has been relocated so you hear him twice at 2.5k and 8.5k on the 10k and 9 miles and 12 miles on the half. Local Manchester DJ and model, Helen Stelling Holt, will play upbeat party house music, R&B funk and disco tunes at Old Trafford and the Hacienda Zone has been introduced this year to create a club themed area, with a playlist created by the Hacienda's Peter Hook!

But don't get so into the tunes that you miss out on 'selfie' opportunities with one of the many celebrities that are taking part this year including Michael Carrick, Andy Burnham and a Coronation Street gang that includes 'Maria', 'Daniel' and 'Sinead'.

There's still plenty of time to sign up for Manchester's running event of the year – for training advice on how to get to the start line in great shape visit the event website for plans and tips.

Another way to make your Great Manchester Run race day experience more rewarding is to join one of the dozens of charities that will be fielding big teams on 25 May. You'll get an amazing boost if you pull on the vest of BHF, Macmillan, Barnardos or one of the other fantastic good causes. More details here.

SIGN UP FOR GREAT MANCHESTER RUN OR FIND OUT MORE AT THE EVENT WEBSITE