Manchester Arena terror attack anniversary marked by touching tribute at Great Manchester Run

Runners and spectators at this year’s Great Manchester Run have paid tribute to the memory of those killed in the Manchester Arena bombing attack five years ago today.

A minute’s applause was held at the start of each wave of runners setting off, to commemorate the 22 people who lost their lives at after a suicide bomber targeted an Ariana Grande gig in the venue on 22 May 2017.

Mayor Andy Burnham was among those joining in the touching tribute at the city centre sporting event today.

He tweeted: “Their names forever at the heart of our city. Their families and those affected always in our thoughts.

“Our thanks for the goodness and strength of the people of Greater Manchester – eternal.”

The 2017 Great Manchester Run was held just a few days after the horrific terror attack and was seen by many as a symbol of Manchester’s courage and resilience in one of the city’s darkest times.

Elsewhere in the city on Sunday, prayers were held at Manchester Cathedral and people have been paying their respects at the nearby Glade of Light memorial.

Tonight at 10.31pm, the exact time the attack occurred, the cathedral bells will toll and a silence will be held at Manchester Victoria station, close to where the bomb went off.