THE nation’s “favourite 10km running event” is rocking up on Sunday — and retailers at The Rock in Bury are ready for it.

The Bupa Great Manchester Run has seen a quarter of a million enthusiastic runners pound the streets since its first time in 2003.

Sports shops in Bury are supporting the event, which was created as a legacy event following the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Interim manager of Footlocker at The Rock, Mo Ahmed, is wishing all runners well this Sunday.

He has his own recommendations for the best running shoes to share with runners, too, whether they are beginners or marathon runners.

First up are those in the Nike Free Run range, priced between £79.99 and £84.99.

Mo said: “These are for an ‘all the time’ runner and are for front-of-foot running. They offer the most support with the Free Run 5 model, down to an almost bare foot style with the number 2. They are perfect.”

Adidas Climacool is another one of Mo’s favourites, priced between £69.99 and £79.99.

“We’re seeing lots of interest in the original Climacool running shoes from 2001, which at the time were heavily endorsed by a certain David Beckham and also Jonny Wilkinson,” said Mo. “People like going back to the classics. But there is also an updated model, which is new in.”

Last but not least are Asics running shoes, prices between £74.99 and £79.99.

“The Mr Reliable running shoe,” said Mo. “We carry two models. These are neutral trainers, ideal for those with medium to low foot arches that offer more support when you are running. Perfect for those just starting out.”

The Great Manchester Run promises to be a weekend festival of sport, including mini and junior events, which will be watched by tens of thousands of spectators along the route and live on TV.

The world’s greatest distance runner, Haile Gebrselassie, has won the Great Manchester Run four times, with Britain’s Jo Pavey winning the women’s event twice. Since the first run in 2003, an estimated £22 million has been raised for a host of charitable causes, including Bury charities and the Christie, which has seen more than a million pound raised by runners.

This year the starting line is on Portland Street near the junction with Oxford Street, with the finish line in Deansgate close to the Hilton Hotel (Beetham Tower). Among the facilities for runners is a “run-through” shower at the 6.5km point, just before the end of Trafford Wharf Road. There will also be several Bands on the Run along the course to give the runners a musical boost.