27th APRIL IS THE UK’S BIGGEST MARATHON DAY – BUT WHO’S REALLY BEST IN CLASS?

So, you’re one of the 90,000 people running a marathon on 27th April? Nice one. But if you’ve chosen Manchester, you’ve absolutely nailed it. Here’s 10 reasons why…

🎉 BRAND-NEW FINISH LINE = BRAND-NEW BUZZ

This year, you’ll be one of the first to cross the epic new Oxford Road finish. Picture this: roaring crowds, the unbeatable feeling of the job done – all in the heart of the city. Find out more about the new finish line here.

🏃‍♂️ PBS? WE’RE BASICALLY GIVING THEM AWAY

For those chasing a PB, the good news is that our course is pancake flat – the fastest in the UK. No gruelling hills, with a total elevation of just 512 feet over the 26.2 miles. Go smash that PB!

🔊 CROWDS THAT COULD POWER A SMALL COUNTRY

Mancunians don’t do things by halves. Every year, thousands pack the streets to shout, sing, and scream your name like you’re a hero, because you are! But don’t just take our word for it, our participants say it best:

🏅 A MEDAL THAT CHANGES EVERY YEAR (BECAUSE IT SHOULD)

Some events keep their medal the same for a few years in a row. We don’t. You’ve earned something unique—and we make sure you get it. Check out the 2025 medal here.

🎉 A JAM-PACKED EVENT WEEKEND

The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. Our epic partners make sure of that. Expect top-tier kit, exciting activations, shake out runs, and more in the city over the entire weekend.

🚀 NO BALLOT, NO WAITING, NO “SORRY, BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR”

You want to take part? You can. No rejection emails, no drama. Yes, demand is high but all you need to do is click the button and enter, train, and turn up ready to smash it. Don’t forget to leave your details to be alerted when entries open for 2026 here.

🏃‍♀️ NO QUALIFYING TIME REQUIRED

We don’t save thousands of places for people faster than you. We’re all about being the marathon for everyone.

📦 EVENT PACK? POSTED!

Why would we make you take time off work to collect it? We’ll send it straight to your door, because that just makes sense.

🎽 YOUR NAME ON YOUR BIB (SO EVERYONE CAN CHEER YOU ON)

That’s right, your name front and centre. It’s not every day random people yell your name in pure admiration. Enjoy it.

📅 FREE TRAINING PLANS FROM ADIDAS

First-timer? Sub-3 chaser? Doesn’t matter. adidas has free training plans for everyone, so you’re fully prepped for event day.

Of all the places to be on 27th April, you’ve picked the best one. A lightning-fast course, crowds that’ll carry you home, and an event that’s built for you. See you at the start line. Manchester’s ready for you.