A Manchester Olympic hero has been named as the official starter of the 2025 AJ Bell Great Manchester Run. The race, which takes place every year, will be held on Sunday, May 18 in the city and is set to be the biggest Great Manchester Run in over a decade. And today, April 17, it was announced that Paris 2024 Gold Medallist and Wigan native Keely Hodgkinson will be starting Manchester's best loved running event. The announcement comes after the athletics star saw monumental success at the Paris Olympics last summer, winning gold in the 800 metres. She was subsequently voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2024. Speaking about the Great Manchester Run, Keely said: “Running in Manchester runs in my blood, my mum and dad were both huge club and distance runners locally and they inspired me to follow in their footsteps. "I can’t wait to start this year’s Great Manchester Run, not only to set some of the world’s best runners on their way, but also the thousands of fellow Mancunians who share my love of running!” J oin the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Keely will take to the iconic starters platform on Sunday morning to set over 35,000 participants on their way, with both a half marathon and a 10 kilometre race taking place on the day. The Atherton local joined Leigh Harriers at the age of nine and has achieved great things ever since - becoming a four-time British national senior champion and winning two silver medals in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She was made an MBE for her contributions to athletics in the 2025 New Year Honours. Sir Brendan Foster, President of The Great Run Company, said: “Keely was the star of the show last summer at the Paris Olympics. "Her determination to win had everyone on the edge of their seats – it was thrilling to watch and a proud moment for the whole British Athletics community! “So when it came to finding this year’s race starter, there really was only one option for us and we’re delighted Keely will be joining us on the 18 May. "From her early days at Leigh Harriers to now being one of the most recognised athletes in the world, she’s definitely a local girl who’s done good and I know she will have inspired many of the runners taking part in this year’s Great Manchester Run.” The Great Manchester Run began in 2003 following the 2002 Commonwealth Games which were held in Manchester. Originally just a 10 kilometre course, it has evolved to include a popular half marathon option as well. This year the run is set to start in the centre of town, going out to Salford Quays and finishing back on Deansgate, with the half marathon course going on a detour to the Etihad football stadium in the middle of the course.