adidas Manchester Marathon 2025 makes history on the UK’s Largest Ever Day of Marathon Running
Today marked an unforgettable moment in the UK’s running history, as the adidas Manchester Marathon 2025 welcomed a record-breaking 36,000 participants to the streets of Greater Manchester – the biggest event in the marathon’s history.
For the first time ever, both the adidas Manchester Marathon and the London Marathon took place on the same day, Sunday 27th April, creating the largest day of marathon running in UK history. An incredible 90,000 people signed up to take part in both events.
For the 36,000 taking part in the adidas Manchester Marathon, the achievement was marked in style as they crossed the brand-new finish line on the stunning Oxford Road, framed by the striking backdrop of the University of Manchester. It was the first time that the marathon finished in the city centre – an iconic finale to an epic challenge.
Over 140,000 supporters lined the 26.2 mile route across Greater Manchester, bringing the electric atmosphere the event is famed for. Over 110,000 also watched and cheered from afar through the marathon’s live stream, which is available to view here.
This year, over 50% of participants* were taking on their first ever marathon, showing the growing popularity of the event.
A host of familiar faces also took part, such as Wrexham FC’s Humphrey Ker who was raising money for The Wrexham Miners Project.
This year’s elite field brought a fierce level of competition as England Athletics selected the adidas Manchester Marathon to host over 70 athletes at the prestigious 2025 English Championships. The elite men’s title was claimed by Josh Griffiths in a staggering time of 02:16:56, while the elite women’s race was won by Tessa McCormick clocking another standout time of 02:34:53. Incredibly, second place was claimed by Olivia Tsim just seven months after having a baby.
The marathon also saw new world records set, such as wheelchair participant Steve Hughes, who smashed his own Guinness World Record for being the fastest person to complete a marathon on a roller sit ski by 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Kelsey Sheridan, from Greater Manchester, overcame being wheelchair-bound due to CFS/ME, to take part alongside her assistance dog, Hamble.
Also amongst the participants was Harry Newton, from Macclesfield, who at 87 holds the title of being the event’s oldest participant this year and Charlotte Whistlecroft, 30, took part in full cricket gear – helmet, gloves, pads and bat.
The event was also a triumph for fundraising, surpassing last year’s total of £3.5 million raised for charity and the final figure still being counted. Donations support hundreds of worthy causes, including this year’s official charity partners: The Alzheimer’s Society, The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and The Christie Charity.
Andrew Smith, CEO of adidas Manchester Marathon organisers, A.S.O. UK, said: “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”.
Beyond the finish line, the event continues to bring significant economic benefits to Greater Manchester, with tens of thousands of visitors staying in local hotels, eating and drinking in the city’s restaurants and bars, and making the most of the region’s excellent transport and hospitality.
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 19th April 2026. Those who would like the chance to enter next year’s event can sign-up to receive priority access now ahead of public opening on Tuesday 29th April.
For any further information relating to the 2025, or the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon, please visit the official website.
28 April 2025
General
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