The photo above is before the first half marathon I did along with various members of my family in 2006 (and the only photo I can find that is vaguely appropriate); this one will be my fifth (and hopefully not my last). 

Having decided to do another half marathon, the Manchester half seemed like a sensible option (no hills!), as did raising money for one the event's official charities, the Alzheimer's Society, given the effect the illness has had on my family (and many others).