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The adidas Manchester Marathon, the UK's second largest marathon and one of Europe's largest is an iconic event drawing participants from all over the world to the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester.
We pride ourselves in welcoming all to take on our 26.2 mile challenge, from some superb elite runners, to those who thought completing a marathon would never be possible. Many regular runners find this the ideal event to get a personal best time, whilst everybody finds the incredible Mancunian support throughout the course unforgettable. You can find out more about the route here.
2026 saw a record-breaking number of people sign up to take on the adidas Manchester Marathon. We will return on 18th April 2027, where a record high 52,000 participants will take part.
The History of the Manchester Marathon
The First Manchester Marathon was run in 1908, starting and finishing at the Saracen's head pub in Warburton in Trafford.
This was a 20 mile (there was no established distance for a marathon then) run organised by Salford Harriers. The first ever amateur marathon to be run using the now established marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yard distance was the Manchester Marathon in 1909. This marathon started in Sandbach and finished at the Fallowfield Stadium in Manchester.
After a 14 year gap, the Manchester marathon returned and kept the same course from 1923 to 1928 and 1931 to 1936. This route started and finished at the Fallowfield Stadium passing through Cheadle, Timperley, Altrincham, Hale Barns, Styal and Gatley.
From 1969 to 1973 the Maxol marathons started from Manchester Town Hall and finished at Old Trafford football stadium. Manchester Marathons were then run from 1981 to 1985 and from 1996 to 2002.
After an absence of ten years the iconic Manchester Marathon returned in Trafford, the sporting heart of Greater Manchester, to offer the North West a truly magnificent personal challenge. Since then it has continued to grow, and firmly established itself as one of Europe’s premier marathon events.
In 2023 sportswear giant adidas agreed a long-term partnership to see them become the title partner of the Manchester Marathon.
Bibliography - Manchester Marathons 1908-2002, Ron Hill & Neil Shuttleworth
