GMR 20 Stories – Jess Dyer
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run in 2023 will be the 20th staging of the event. In recognition of this incredible milestone, we’re looking back on 20 unforgettable stories from two decades of running in the capital of the North.
26-year-old Jess Dyer from Sale, endured severe bullying at secondary school which led her to self-harm for the first time when she was just 11 years old. Jess was diagnosed with clinical depression at the age of 13 and made several suicide attempts over a number of years.
Following support from the NHS’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), she first signed up to the Great Manchester Run in 2015, at age 20, to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind and celebrate five years since her last suicide attempt.
Jess, described completing her first 10k at the Great Manchester Run as ‘emotional, overwhelming and incredible’
Jess explains, “I first signed up for the Great Manchester Run to challenge myself. I’d never been much of a runner but I wanted to walk towards something and a 10km race seemed like the best way to start. It was also a fantastic opportunity to raise money for a charity very important to me.
“I have great memories of that first year, a few nerves, lots of fun and some tears! The feeling when I crossed the finish line of my first race, having raised over £1,000 for Mind was just incredible.
“I’ve continued to run and I love it! It’s such a huge part of my life. I’ve managed to set new goals and achieve things I never expected. I pushed myself to half marathon and full marathon distances and have continued raising money for Mind along the way.
“Mind is such an important charity to me because of the incredible work that they do to help those living with poor mental health.
“With my personal lived experience of anxiety and depression, I know all too well the feelings of loneliness and helplessness that come with it. Charities like Mind allow people to have the safe space and someone to talk to who understands.
“I’m planning on running again this year, it will be my fourth Great Manchester Run. The event always has a fantastic atmosphere and I’m sure this will be no different.”
Be part of a spectacular running celebration in the heart of Manchester on Sunday 21 May 2023, celebrating 20 years of the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run.
Whether you take on the 10k or Half Marathon challenge, you’ll line up on the iconic Portland Street start line and feel the goosebumps as you and 25,000 other runners follow the famous route, pass Manchester landmarks and set your sights on Deansgate for a grandstand finish.
With live music and entertainment zones at every turn, roaring charity cheering squads, plus the incredible local support who line the streets to cheer you on, it’ll be a party from start to finish.
This year’s event takes place on Sunday 21 May and entries are open now. Click here to sign up.
Related Articles
1/11
Reigning team champions return to Birmingham
As winners of last year’s Business Challenge, Solihull School returns to the start line for the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run.
Groundbreaking Joint Venture for Future of Athletics in the UK
UK Athletics (UKA), The Great Run Company (GRC) and London Marathon Events (LME) today announced the creation of a new joint venture, Athletic Ventures.
Doting Brothers Set to Race in Memory of Baby Sister
Two loving brothers from Newcastle-Under-Lyme are limbering up to take on the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Run in memory of their little sister.
Great Birmingham Run scores a hat-trick!
With a month to go before the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, the three football clubs are encouraging fans to run for their community foundations.
Arup are up for the challenge on Sunday 5 May
39 runners from engineering giant Arup are taking on the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run Business Challenge.
Taking it in Their Stride in Memory of a Friend
One team of Great Birmingham Run runners is gearing up for a challenge that goes beyond the miles they'll pound on the pavement.
10 Reasons you should run the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run
As we countdown to event day on 5 May, we spell out 10 reasons why you should get involved and (if you haven’t already!) sign up.
Emon’s expert tips for training during Ramadan
A reality TV star who ran back to back marathons while fasting during Ramadan is now aiming to inspire his fellow Muslim runners.
Power of Running: Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter, 47, has ran every Great Manchester Run 10k since it started in 2003. Read Andrew's story.
Power of Running: Halee Robinson
After falling out of love with running Halee signed up for the Great Birmingham Run and hasn't looked back. Read Halee's story.
Power of Running: Helen Ryvar
Helen Ryvar is the Guinness World Record Holder for running the most consecutive half marathons, hitting 111 back in 2021. Read Helen's story.
