The countdown to the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is on and it’s shaping up to be an action-packed celebration of running. This year the festival of running returns to the city on Sunday 26 May and if stunning views, inspiring history and Manchester cityscapes are your thing, then this event is right up your street.

Each year, thousands of runners push their perseverance and passion to the limit and take on the super-scenic 10K and half marathon routes. And adding excitement to the build up to race day, organisers have now revealed the medal design for this year's races.

The 10K and half marathon medals include some of the iconic landmarks from the courses including Manchester's Tower of Light near the start line, Beetham Tower on Deansgate to celebrate your finish line moment, diagonal lines across the medals are a nod to Manchester's Hacienda, plus the waves represent the canals that run throughout this amazing city.

Organisers explain: "Depending on the distance, you will have 10 or 13 lines that encircle the design to remind you how many kms or miles you have run. You can't underestimate the feeling you'll experience on race day, and these medals will take you back to those moments every time you hang them around your neck!"

The event is famous for its iconic music, buzzing atmosphere, and of course Mancunian spirit in abundance. With entertainment zones that celebrate local character and culture at every kilometre and some of the best (and loudest!) crowd support anywhere in the world, the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is an experience like no other.

Get the whole family involved in next year's AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run, where the youngest runners (3-8) take on a fun and frenzied 1.6K dash, whilst junior runners (9-15) take on a 2.5K supercharged sprint.

The event sold out last year, so don't miss out! If you'd like to know more, visit the Great Manchester Run website.

Image: Great Run Company