Commonwealth Veterans Steve Way and Elinor Kirk head up Elite Field at 2021 Therme Manchester Marathon

Commonwealth favourite, Steve Way, will be taking to the streets of Manchester on Sunday 10th October 2021 to compete against other elite athletes to take the title of first male finisher.

Famously known for his underdog story, seven years ago Steve Way weighed 16 ½ stone and had high blood pressure, a pack-a-day smoking habit and a self-confessed addiction to takeaways, Steve began running to get fit. Countless miles later, and aged 40, he represented England at the Commonwealth Games 2014, coming in 10th overall, holder of the British 100km record and setter of a new British veteran’s record with a PB of 2:15:16. At the Therme Manchester Marathon, he will be looking to hold his veteran status.


Way will face tough competition from Andrew Davies, aged 42, who currently has the best PB in the field with 2:14:00. Close on their heels will be local Altrincham man, Andy Norman, brother of former Manchester Marathon winner and running legend Dave Norman. With a 5K PB this year of 14:31 minutes, Andy could be a serious front runner looking to follow in his brother’s local legend footsteps.

A female champion will be returning this year, as Danielle Nimmock returns after winning Manchester Marathon in 2018. With a marathon PB of 02:38:00, Danielle will face stiff competition from Welsh Commonwealth athlete Elinor Kirk, who’s current PB stands at 02:34:00 after she finished 15th overall at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.


Also confirmed to join their compatriots are Fanny Gyurko, recently gaining a new PB in Seville Marathon 2020, and Alison Lavender, an outside contender who has been racking up fast steady miles in her recent training.

2021 will also see a fantastic race between the Elite Wheelchair Runners, with a powerful field of athletes, including Steve Hughes (a disabled former soldier and enduro wheelchair athlete) and Samuel Kolek (a para-champion in athletics, with a marathon PB of 1:45:47).

 

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Nick Rusling, CEO of event organisers Human Race, says
“The line-up of elite athletes for this year is once again very strong. Therme Manchester Marathon offers a superb fast and flat course with immense PB potential, and we can’t wait to watch this year’s event unfold”.

Leading the Manchester Half Elite field is Jake Smith, who graced our screens only last week as the pacer for Phil Sesemann (1st Brit) at the London Marathon. With a Half Marathon PB of 60:31m, and his debut marathon time this year April 2021 being 2:11:00, Jake is a frontrunner for the win.

 

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Joining Jake in the Manchester Half is Team GB Olympic Marathon Runner and British Champion Sonia Samuels. Having represented Great Britain at 4 World Cross Country Championships, 2 European Cross Country Championships, 1 European Track & Field Championships and the 2016 Rio Olympics, Sonia’s Half Marathon PB is 01:12:19.

 

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There are some fantastic prizes available, with the top placed male and female runners at the Therme Manchester Marathon able to win the following monetary awards:
• 1st Prize £2000 cash
• 2nd Prize £1000 cash
• 3rd Prize £750 cash
• 4th Prize £300 cash
• 5th Prize £200 cash

Cash prizes are also available for competing Elite Wheelchair Athletes.

Other prizes available for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place elite and elite wheelchair winners of the Therme Manchester Marathon are awarded by the Headline Title Sponsor Therme Group and include Team Therme Group Jackets, Therme Group goodies bundle, and flowers. Title Partner 2XU will also provide a gift box of their sell-out race belt, cap, timing chip strap and a voucher for their popular clothing collection.

Up to 40,000 runners are expected in the mass race for both Therme Manchester Marathon and their sister event, the Manchester Half, taking place on the same day for the first time in its history.

Places in next year’s Therme Manchester Marathon, which is set to return on Sunday 3rd April 2022, are available to secure now. To find out more about how to run or volunteer at the next event, visit www.manchestermarathon.co.uk.