TENS of thousands of people took to the streets for the Great Manchester Run amid tight security yesterday in the city’s first large-scale event since last Monday’s bombing.

Armed police were stationed among the crowds at the race, and a minute’s silence was held for the victims of the Manchester Arena atrocity.

Those killed include eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos and Barra schoolgirl Eilidh MacLeod, 14, whose friend Laura MacIntyre remains in intensive care.

Crowds also applauded emergency services for their response to the bombing, which occurred as music fans left a concert by US singer Ariana Grande.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said going ahead with the run was a "difficult decision". He went on: “The consensus always was that if we were to cancel, that’s a victory for those who seek to disrupt our way of life, and I don’t think we were prepared to give them that victory.”

Event director Charlie Mussett said: “Manchester’s not the same place this week. The event is not the same event.

“It’s a bit different and we’re reflecting that in the tone and content of the event and showing respect for victims and families and the horror that the city has seen.

“Equally we have people coming here to run a half marathon or a 10k and we’re hoping to lift their spirits as best as we possibly can. I think it’s incredibly emotional.”

The run began after police released images of suicide bomber Salman Abedi on the night of the attack and appealed for information about his last movements.

The 22-year-old had been in his family’s native Libya before returning to the UK on May 18 and officers want to know more about his actions between then and the bombing.

A total of 12 men remained in custody on suspicion of terror offences yesterday, with 54 bombing victims still in hospital, 19 of whom remain in critical condition, according to NHS England.

The NHS provided in-patient care for 116 people hurt in the atrocity, which claimed 22 lives.

Yesterday runners lined up at the start line under a banner reading #RunForManchester, which many wearing yellow ribbons as a sign of solidarity with those affected.

Comedian John Bishop was amongst those taking part, and, hailing the support shown for the city, he said: “It’s just about people making a stand and saying, you know, ‘you’re not going to change who we are and what we do’.”

On staging the event, Manchester City Council council leader Richard Leese said: “It was not whether it was going to happen, but how we could make it happen.

“We’re all here for one reason. It is an act of defiance, an act of solidarity. It’s a community coming together to share grief and to say Manchester will not be beaten by terrorism.

“People really want to be here to stand up to be counted, seeking strength in each other.”

Former Olympian Brendan Foster, who founded the event, said the race had this year taken on a significance beyond that of athletics, stating: “All of our feelings this morning have been about the 22 people who died, their families and that terrible atrocity.

“But today is about not doing what they want us to do – change our way of life, be frightened. The people of Manchester are saying ‘this is our city, you’re not going to take away our independence’. We are providing the stage for that.”

It is understood that as many as 35,000 took part in the run, which included a half marathon for the first time and also takes in Europe’s largest 10k.

Poet Tony Walsh, known as Longfella, was cheered by the crowds as he delivered a reading before the race began, urging onlookers to “do summat to show you don’t surrender, we don’t surrender”.

Meanwhile, the family of Elaine McIver, the off-duty police officer killed in the bombing, have paid tribute to the “unique and irreplaceable” 43-year-old. She worked with Cheshire Police as a detective constable and her partner Paul was also injured.

In a statement, they said: “Elaine was one of a kind and had an impact on so many lives. She was a friend to so many and an amazing daughter, sister and aunt.

"Her love for all was immense and she was like the glue that held us all together. Our lives have been enriched by the time that we have had with her, but they will never now be the same again.”

Praising her “infectious” sense of humour, they added: “Elaine also had many funny phrases and sayings that we were all accustomed to hearing and can still imagine her saying.

“We all have so many wonderful memories and funny stories. She would have wanted us all to continue to laugh, despite the tears in our eyes and pain in our hearts.”