GMR 20 Stories – Saranda and Jehona Bogujevci
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.
Saranda and Jehona Bogujevci, sisters from Kosovo, first took part in the Great Manchester Run after surviving a horrific massacre during the conflict there in 1999.
They ran alongside British Army surgeon David Vassallo, who helped save their lives. He discovered the sisters in a Prishtina hospital suffering multiple gunshot injuries after surviving the attack, sadly their mother and grandmother lost their lives.
After being evacuated to Manchester, the sisters had to undergo years of surgery and physiotherapy.
Working with the Charity Manchester Aid to Kosovo, they ran the event many times to raise money to create a municipal park in their hometown of Podujeve.
The sisters say the parks of Manchester helped them during their recovery, they set up the Manchester Peace Park in Podujeve as a symbol of the welcome they received. The nine-hectare park, which the girls’ helped design alongside experts from Cornwall’s Eden Project, includes play areas, sports facilities, woodland walks and remembrance areas.
The site now welcomes thousands of residents to the quiet stretch of forested land to walk its steep, shady hill for exercise, enjoy its tranquil atmosphere, and pay their respect to those who were lost during the war.
You can be a part of the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run as it celebrates 20 years in 2023.
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.
For more information or to enter today click here.
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.
