A MOTIVATED Oldham runner is set to take on her first ever half marathon just two years after inspiring others into the sport with a viral image.

Dawn Nisbet shared a photograph of her finishing last in a 5K park run at Alexandra Park in 2016 and has since become an inspirational figure in the running community.

The mum-of-two is now set to take on a half marathon at the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run on May 20.

Having recently set up the motivational peer group Bee Awesome, she will champion a group of runners, who will support each other through either the 10K or the half marathon.

The 42-year-old said: “In 2017, having done my first 10k at the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run and subsequently completing two more 10k runs, I finally realised how determined I am and that I can achieve most things I set my heart on.

“A friend of mine wanted to do her first half marathon for her 60th birthday and we thought it would be great fun to take on the challenge together.

“I also realised there are lots of people out there like me that with a bit of support, encouragement and team work would love to take on this kind of challenge. So Bee-Awesome was born.

“Like minded people supporting each other to take on this epic undertaking, with a focus on fun and friendship, finish lines not finish times.”

The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run will see thousands of people raise money for a host of good causes, with the streets of Manchester taken over for a running party in the city.

The run, which is known for its buzzing atmosphere and energetic warm up, will this year see runners set off in waves to ease congestion, and for the first time runners will use both carriageways of Mancunian Way; one side as they approach the east of the city and the other side as they return towards the west.

The course will provide plenty of atmosphere with bands on the run, charity cheer points, musical entertainment and thousands of spectators, before finishing on Deansgate alongside Beetham Tower.

To find out more and enter the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, visit greatrun.org/manchester