A Glasgow man has stormed ahead of the competition to win Manchester’s largest half marathon event.

Luke Traynor, from Newton Mearns, was part of a 10,000 strong crowd to take to the streets of Trafford on Sunday for the second annual event.

The first-time half marathon competitor smashed last year’s best time of 1.04.41, crossing the finishing line at 1.04.10.

The former Mearns Castle High School pupil - who finished third on the track in the Trafford Grand Prix 10,000m back in August - took an early lead at the outset of the race and kept the pace right through to the finish line.

With only a 41-metre elevation across the 13.1mile course, the event has become the race of choice for beginners, charity runners, and elite athletes looking for a PB or qualifying time.

Before going on an athletics scholarship to the University of Tulsa, in Oklahoma, 24-year-old Luke studied at Glasgow Caledonian University and graduated with a degree in environmental management.

He graduated from Tulsa at the end of June this year and headed back home to Glasgow where he was in training over the summer for his half marathon debut.

Glasgow Times:

Speaking after his big win, Luke described the Manchester Half Marathon as being “the perfect place” for his debut as it is renowned for being the flattest and fastest half marathon event in the UK.

He added: “I was out on my own for a majority of the race, but the great support throughout from the locals really encouraged me through to the end, especially on the last mile straight.

“I’m absolutely delighted I was able to break the course record. This is just the beginning.”

He is now set to spend the next five weeks in athletics training at Mammoth Lakes Track Club in California.