7 NEW Things to Look Forward to at the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon

The countdown is on for the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon and excitement is building across Greater Manchester. This year, 42,000 participants will gather on the start line, ready to take on the iconic 26.2mile challenge through one of the UK’s most electric cities.

For 2026, we have introduced brand new experiences to make your marathon journey even more memorable. From a legendary athlete starting the event to powerful supporter moments on the route and new ways to recharge after you cross the finish line, there is plenty to look forward to.

Here are seven new things waiting for you on Sunday 19 April.

 

1. Meet Your 2026 Event Starter: Dame Sarah Storey

The 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon will be officially started by Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most decorated and successful Paralympian.

Across an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades in Paralympic swimming and cycling, Dame Sarah has won 19 Paralympic gold medals, 30 Paralympic medals in total and 45 world titles, cementing her place as one of the greatest athletes in British sporting history.

As participants gather on the start line, Dame Sarah will send you on your way for an unforgettable day in Greater Manchester. Having such an inspirational figure kickstart the day is the perfect way to begin your 26.2 mile journey.

2. Feel the Holiday Energy with Jet2

Joining Dame Sarah on the start line will be Departure Captain Zoe Lister, the instantly recognisable voice behind the viral Jet2holidays advert. She will help welcome participants to what is set to be the busiest start line in the event’s history.

Jet2 will also bring the holiday energy onto the route with The Jet2 Runway at Mile 22 in Chorlton. This holiday themed zone is designed to give you a lift right when you need it most. Expect cabin crew cheer squads, Mediterranean beats, a juice bar and giveaways. Hit the Runway, soak up the atmosphere and power through the final four miles with a smile on your face and the holiday feeling in your legs.

A Jet2 holiday voucher will also be up for grabs on event day, find out more here.

 

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3. The New Recharge Lounge

Crossing the finish line is a huge achievement, and recovery matters too. That is why we introduced the Recharge Lounge for 2026.

Located at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, the lounge sits just beyond the finish area with a dedicated exit route to get you there quickly and easily.

You can book your space now to access showers, changing and toilet facilities, alongside a dedicated recovery expert and light refreshments. Every booking also includes an exclusive 2026 Finisher Towel that you can use immediately after finishing. It is not available anywhere else. Find out more about how to book your spot here.

4. The Supporter Send Off with adidas

Access around the start line is limited, so if your friends or family want to see you early on, the Supporter Send Off is the place to be.

Located around one mile into the route at Deansgate Interchange, this will be one of the liveliest spots on the course. Participants and supporters can spot themselves on the big screen while an adidas DJ truck keeps the energy high with music and supporter messages.

As you pass through, you will feel the atmosphere building and get a huge boost before settling into your marathon rhythm.

Supporters can also check out the online Supporter Hub for the best viewing spots across the course.

5. adidas Market Street Takeover

Marathon weekend will once again transform the city, and as part of this, adidas Market Street will become adizero Home of Fast.

From Thursday to Sunday, people can visit to meet fellow participants, prepare for marathon day and soak up the atmosphere. The store will feature exclusive adidas Manchester Marathon merchandise, kit customisation, expert preparation advice from adidas specialists, shake out runs, coffee on tap and much more.

Whether you need last minute preparation tips or simply want to enjoy the marathon buzz, this will be the place to be before the big day. Find a full schedule of activities here.

6. A Sweet Victory: Haribo & Your Finish Line Rewards

The moment you cross the finish line you will be greeted with a fantastic collection of rewards for completing your 26.2 mile challenge.

This year participants can look forward to sweet treats from Haribo alongside a range of well earned finish line goodies to help kick start recovery and celebrations.

After months of training, that first handful of sweets at the finish line will taste like victory.

7. Mile 18 Comes Alive with Runna

When the miles start to feel tougher, the noise gets louder and at Mile 18 you will hear the Runna Cheer Zone before you even see it.

This high energy section of the route will feature a DJ truck, loud supporters and the Runna community bringing the motivation when you need it most.

The music, cheers and crowd energy will help carry you forward as you move closer to the final miles and the unforgettable finish in Manchester.

 

The 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon promises a day full of unforgettable moments and we’ll be bringing the cheers, atmosphere and the surprises that all make marathon day in Manchester truly special.