Despite heavy rain, slippery paths and a few close calls, nothing could stop HPP's Marketing Manager Kenika and HR Manager Carole from completing this year's Race for Life 5K together at Heaton Park.
The pair proudly crossed the finish line side by side in an official time of 48 minutes, mixing power walking with bursts of running while encouraging each other every step of the way.
One of the biggest highlights of the day came courtesy of Neil Diamond. As 'Sweet Caroline' blasted from Kenika's mobile phone along the route, the pair sang, danced and laughed their way around the course, giving themselves an extra boost of motivation when they needed it most.
This year's event marked Kenika's third Race for Life. Although she had been feeling unwell the day before, there was never any doubt she would be taking part.
Carole agreed the day was one to remember: "I really enjoyed it. Kenika was by my side the whole way, we had a laugh, and even danced to Neil Diamond while going down the pathway."
This year's race was especially significant for Carole, who celebrated an incredible milestone - 25 years of taking part in Race for Life.
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Reflecting on the achievement, she said: "I didn't think I'd still be able to do it, but I can still do it. It's great, and it's all for a great cause."
And will she be back next year? "I hope so-definitely! It'll be another big year."
The weather, however, certainly provided an extra challenge. Heavy rain at the start of the event, combined with a chilly breeze, left parts of the course slippery. Organisers placed hazard signs around uneven areas to remind participants to take extra care.
Kenika almost became one of those hazards herself: "I nearly fell at the beginning. My foot went into a ditch, but thankfully I managed to catch myself before falling. After that we were both extra careful because there were quite a few uneven patches and holes along the route."
There was still time for plenty of humour along the way. As the finish line approached, Kenika jokingly told Carole that Neil Diamond was waiting for her at the end of the course-a comment that immediately sparked an extra burst of speed to the finish.
Looking ahead, Kenika already knows she'll be returning: "I'll definitely be doing it again next year."
For both women, however, Race for Life is about much more than completing five kilometres. Kenika takes part every year in memory of her best friend, Lenisha Richardson, who sadly died from cancer, and her great-grandad, who passed away from pancreatic cancer.
Their story is a reminder that while the race may only last 5 kilometres, the reason for taking part goes much further. As Kenika puts it: "The finish line is only the end of the race-the reason we run stays with us forever."