RUNNERS and spectators gathered together in the city centre today in defiance of terror attacks.

Boltonians joined the thousands from around the country to take part in yesterday’s Great Manchester Run.

Brothers Ashley, aged 28, and Elliott Macdonald, aged 25, joined their boss Paul Richards, aged 46, for the annual half marathon and the 10k event.

This is the third year the trio have taken part and, following the events of Monday night, paid tribute to the victims and stand united with the city by donning specially designed shirts adorned with the Manchester bee and the words ‘hope’, ‘strength’, ‘peace’.

Ashley, from Tonge Fold, an employee of Crompton Way Motors , said: “They gave us a sense of pride and we were proud to run with them on!

“Running around, people were high-fiving police officers. It was a way of acknowledging why they were there and their hard work.

“The events on Monday were there in the back of my mind but we have done the run the last few years so why should we let them stop us taking part this year.

“It has been a good day considering. A lot of people were out cheering us on and there was a nice atmosphere all the way round.”

Ashley’s wife Kerry, aged 34, cheered on the men with Elliott’s fiancée Emma Maxwell, aged 24, Ashley’s younger brother Oliver, aged 17, and Paul’s wife Lorriane Richards, aged 46.

She said: “It is a lot quieter than it has been the last two years. We are at the finish line and the atmosphere is great and it has been getting busier.”

One official said around 35,000 people had taken part in the run.

Armed police mingled with spectators as crowds gathered to watch the runners, including mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

Mr Burnham said going ahead with the event was a difficult decision and it had to happen in order not to hand a victory to terrorists.

Participants including comedian John Bishop and former England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson stood on the 10k start line under the banner #RunForManchester, many wearing yellow ribbons in solidarity with the victims of the Manchester Arena attack and their families.

Speaking ahead of the run, Mr Burnham told reporters: “It was a difficult decision and we took advice from the police and the security services.

“But the consensus always was that if we were to cancel that’s a victory for those who seek to disrupt our way of life and I don’t think we were prepared to give them that victory.”

He praised the “incredible response” from the public, who he said refused to be divided after such an attack.