The adidas Manchester Marathon tore through Greater Manchester today and straight into the UK record books, as 36,000 determined souls pounded 26.2 miles of tarmac on the same Sunday that saw London stage its own marathon.
In doing so, the adidas Manchester Marathon helped create the single biggest day of marathon running the nation has ever witnessed.
Two marathons, one monumental Sunday
With London and Manchester both off to the races, an eye-watering 90,000 runners laced up nationwide.
Yet it was Manchester’s brand-new city-centre finish on Oxford Road—flanked by the University of Manchester’s Gothic splendour—that provided the postcard moment: a sea of exhausted smiles and raised arms against a red-brick backdrop that simply screamed “We did it!”
Why first-timers stole the show
More than half the field were debutants, proof that the race has become the people’s marathon. Their reward? Deafening support from over 140,000 spectators on course and another 110,000 glued to the live stream.
If you were searching for the thumping heart of grassroots running, you found it today in the North-West drizzle.
Elite fireworks at the English Championships
England Athletics picked this course for the 2025 English Championships, and the elites repaid that faith in spades.
- Josh Griffiths broke the tape in 2:16:56 to claim the men’s crown.
- Tessa McCormick lit up the women’s race with 2:34:53.
- A special nod to Olivia Tsim, runner-up just seven months after giving birth. That’s grit you can’t coach.
Records that defy logic
Wheelchair athlete Steve Hughes obliterated his own Guinness World Record for a roller sit-ski marathon, trimming a cool 20 minutes.
And 28-year-old local hero Kelsey Sheridan, once confined to a chair by CFS/ME, covered every mile accompanied by her assistance dog, Hamble, bringing the house down at every turn.
Characters of the course
- Humphrey Ker, Wrexham FC’s executive director, swapped the touchline for the start line to fund-raise for The Wrexham Miners Project.
- Harry Newton, 87, trotted round as the oldest entrant.
- Charlotte Whistlecroft, 30, completed the distance in full cricket armour—bat, pads and helmet—proving fancy dress is alive and well.
Fund-raising hits a new high
Last year’s £3.5 million charity haul is already history; the 2025 total is still climbing thanks to thousands running for The Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, The Christie Charity and scores of local causes.
“Spectacular” doesn’t cover it
“Today has been nothing short of spectacular. Manchester has shown once again why it’s one of the best cities to take on a marathon – welcoming, passionate and full of heart.
To see 36,000 people cross the finish line, many for the very first time, on the UK’s biggest-ever day of marathon running, is incredibly special.
We’re proud to celebrate this moment with the whole community – participants, volunteers, charities and supporters – who made this event so successful,” — Andrew Smith, CEO, A.S.O. UK
Pounds in pockets, buzz in the city
Hotels brimmed, bars clinked and trams rattled at standing-room-only as tens of thousands of visitors turned race weekend into a city-wide festival.
The economic ripple effect is exactly why Greater Manchester rolls out the red carpet for this race every spring.
Fancy joining the party in 2026?
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 19 April 2026. Priority entry opens before the public ballot on 29 April, and if today is any clue, those spots will vanish faster than a post-race pint.
Head to the official website to stake your claim—then start dreaming of that triumphant dash down Oxford Road.
For full results, highlights and registration details, visit the official race hub at manchestermarathon.co.uk.
