Greater Manchester

Manchester Fun Bike and Run proves to be a monster success.

Around 150 competitors gathered in Philips Park today (Sunday 28 June) to take part in the Manchester First Mini Monster Challenge - the fun bike and run charity event that was launched in 2008.

Under a blue sky and with the sun shining, competitors ran or cycled their way round the park, taking part in either the adult or family and friends relay races, organised by the worlds leading transport operator, FirstGroup.

Team Code ComputerLove Trains, led by Tony Foggett, won the adult race, which comprised two running sections, each 3km long, and two 10km cycling sections, with a fantastic time of 1hr and 6 mins.

Tony, who competed in the cycle leg of the race, said: "It has been a great day and a really good event. We have never run and cycled together as a team before and we're really surprised we won."

Spectators were also treated to a unique 'Battle of the Monsters' which saw the Sale Sharks mascot 'Sharky' battle it out against the First Mini Monster mascot 'Nessie' to determine who was the fittest of the monsters. Competitors gathered around to watch Sharky cross the finish line just seconds before Nessie could reach it.

The First Scotland East team, who travelled all the way from Edinburgh especially for today's event, were the first FirstGroup adult team to cross the finish line in just over 1 hour and 6 minutes - just 40 seconds behind the overall winning team.

A special mention also went to First TransPennine Express employees Tony Tremayne, Paul Cunningham and Jason Ashmore who tackled the race in fancy dress, made up of items of lost property found on trains and at stations on the rail network. They managed a time of just under two hours.

In the family race, which is made up of two runs and two cycles " 1.5km and 5km respectively " a team representing Save the Children completed the race in 35 minutes - and on a tandem.

Matt Davies, Operations Director for First Bus Manchester, presented the trophies to the winning teams. He said: "It has been a fantastic event and a great turn out from family, friends and employees from First. We are delighted to be working closely with Save the Children in organising this event. Last year we raised more than £100,000 for Save the Children from the monster events and we are hoping to increase that amount this year."

Two First Mini Monster Challenges have still to take place this year and its not too late to register a team for the events in Yorkshire (5 July) and Bristol (12 July). Places are also available for the original First Monster Challenge " a 120km bike and run duathlon " which takes place in Inverness on 12 September. Information on all these events can be found at www.firstmonster.com.