Two politically allied Manchester MPs will battle it out ahead of the Wigan 10k run on Sunday with both sides eager for victory.
Lisa Nandy and Andy Burnham will compete in the first Wigan marathon and are aiming to defeat one another in fierce determination not seen since the last election.
Yet the MPs are teaming up to support Joining Jack, a charity launched by Wigan Warriors player Andy Johnson and his wife Alex after their five-year-old son was diagnosed with rare condition Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
With more than 2,600 runners competing in the race, Lisa and Andy will also be joined by a host of famous rugby league stars and TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher but it seems that Wigan MP Lisa has her sights set firmly on victory over Andy.
She said: “There is definitely a bit of competition between me and Andy. After the initial line-up, he won’t see me for dust. I’ll wait for him at the finish line, though, and cheer him on.
“I’ve been going to the gym everyday practicing – I’ve seen half of Wigan in there getting ready for the race. I’ve also been fundraising. The more money we get, the faster I’ll run.
“I injured my Achilles tendon a few months ago so I’m not as confident as I’d like to be at this stage. But I’m pretty competitive so I think as soon as I see Andy I’ll be determined to beat him.”
Leigh MP Andy said: “I’m feeling worried, especially since I know how seriously Lisa’s taking it. I think there’s a healthy rivalry between Wigan and Leigh but the most important thing about the race is drumming up support for an important cause.
“Lisa’s younger and fitter than me so while I’m competitive, I’m not sure I’ll be able to beat her. I’ve got the hopes of the people of Leigh on my shoulders so I hope I don’t let them down. If I do they’ll never let me forget it.”
The marathon starts and ends in Wigan town centre and is the first of its kind in the borough. There will be a special festival in the town centre to mark the occasion featuring bands, a food market and children’s rides.
You can sponsor Lisa and Andy here.
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