Four hundred contestants crossed the finish line in the third of the four 5k Sale Sizzlers in Wythenshawe Park.

Britain’s No.1 steeplechaser Stuart Stokes, recovering from surgery, just missed the course record of 14.23 by just three seconds and was followed home by National Cross-Country champion Steve Vernon with international Ben Fish also well under 15 minutes.

The country’s top marathoner Tarus Elly finished 4th but still ran his fastest time since 2007. Among the women, 2007 European Junior 3000m finalist and World XC Championship representative, Stockport’s Jessica Coulson ran a PB of 16.32.

Among the age groups, fast improving Callum Greenwood (SHM) made his 5k debut in 15:49; Vet-40 Paul Mannion (Astley&TRR) clocked his fastest 5k for years with 16.10 and vet-60 Francis Day (East Cheshire) also recorded one of his best times for a decade.

Neil Cliffe’s inspired running in the 1980/90’s following surgery for cancer led to £1 million being raised to build the Neil Cliffe Cancer Centre In Wythenshawe Hospital that today stands as a beacon of hope to thousands of the region’s cancer sufferers.

The Sizzlers this year have been encouraging participants to raise money for St. Ann's Hospice and Neil Cliffe has joined a group from St. Ann’s who collected over £800 from participants and spectators.

He is pictured with Fechin Mc Cormick (organiser of the 5k Sizzlers) and Neil’s brother Malcolm Cliffe. The Neil Cliffe Centre is now part of St. Anne’s Hospice.