A marathon is an impressive feat for anyone, and this International Women’s Day we’re celebrating the women who have taken on the big 26.2 at the adidas Manchester Marathon.

Year after year, female participation in our event continues to rise. Today, women make up 36% of our field, that’s more than 15,000 females taking to the start line on Sunday 19 April. Even more inspiring, over 40% of those women are first-time marathoners, embracing the challenge with determination, courage and ambition. The momentum is clear, and more women than ever are showing up and making their mark in endurance sport than ever before.

Our adidas Manchester Marathon Event Director (Route Lead), Aimee Eriksen, reflects on this growth:

“It’s been incredible to see female participation grow over the past eight years working on the adidas Manchester Marathon. Women lead from the front across the event, and that’s reflected on the start line too, with 15,000 women taking part this year. Our vision is to create an event that is truly inclusive, while celebrating the strength of women: their determination, resilience, support for others and drive to succeed.”

We’re thrilled to see more women than ever striding confidently into marathon history right here in Manchester. Every woman on our start line is an inspiration. Over the years, some have made particularly powerful statements, championing women in sport, uplifting their communities, and leading by example both on and off the course.

From professional athletes to cultural statements, we’re bringing you 5 women who have inspired at our event this International Women’s Day.

1. Dame Laura Kenny

Team GB’s most successful female Olympian Dame Laura Kenny took on the event in 2024, following her retirement from professional cycling in March the same year. The mother of two completed the event in an impressive 03:57:28.

2. Madhusmita Jena Das

Madhusmita Jena Das has become somewhat of a legend at the event, honouring her Indian heritage by wearing a full saree in the 2023 and 2025 event. She shared her experience of the event and vision for the future:

“I have had the good fortune to participate in 5 Manchester marathons, 2 in a saree.

The Manchester Marathon is an inclusive event and it’s a perfect place to showcase my Indian heritage as well as inspire women of all backgrounds to take up running and wear what they feel comfortable in – whether that’s shorts, a crop top, tights, a hijab or a saree.

I believe women need to give greater attention to their personal health, empowered to pursue their dreams and right to have their ‘me-time’ – and my saree runs are a small attempt to put across this message to all the women out there”.

3. Tasha Thompson

Black Girls Do Run UK founder Tasha Thompson took on the event in 2024, her eighth marathon and first in Manchester. Tasha started her club 2019, after a marshall asked her and a group of friends if they were taking part in a running event despite wearing race bibs. The mother of two shared the philosophy of Black Girls Do Run, which has over 100 members nationwide.

“The club stands firm on its principles of empowering everyday black women to run. It does this through consistency; creating a strong sense of belonging and trust due to our shared culture; and sharing lived experiences, values and goals.”

4. Becca Broadbent

Becca Broadbent is a mum of two, wife and founder of These Women Do, based in Sale. Initially ‘These Mum’s Do’, Becca started the women-focused running club in 2016, after being made redundant with a 4-month-old baby. The club has evolved into ‘These Women Do’, a thriving community of women supporting one another, with many having taken part and volunteering at the adidas Manchester Marathon.

“These Women Do absolutely love supporting the adidas Manchester Marathon as it’s such a brilliant event. Running through our home town of Sale it’s an ideal opportunity for runners and volunteers alike to support the event.

For 2026 there are 9 epic women running the event and 25 volunteers marshalling the route and we cannot wait. The day is one of the highlights in the TWD calendar

What started in 2016 as a mission to help new mums get active has evolved into something much bigger – a community where real women find strength, friendship, and their own version of fitness. I champion women and help them achieve things they never thought possible and Manchester Marathon is no exception. At TWD, you’ll find more than just a run club here. You’ll find your people. Your strength. Your community.”

5. Charlotte Ellis

Charlotte Ellis is an unabating figure in the world of parasport, having proudly represented Great Britain in endurance events for over 10 years. In 2023, Charlotte graced the adidas Manchester Marathon, taking on the event with her guide runner Claire. She praised the event for its inclusive, friendly ethos:

“What stood out to me was how supportive the adidas Manchester Marathon organisers were around inclusion. It’s important that everyone feels they can take part in sport irrespective of disability, gender or ability, and the event celebrates all of its diverse participants who take on the challenge.

As a visually impaired runner, I hope not only to encourage other visually impaired people to take part in sport, but also to encourage other women who feel apprehensive about running to try it. Start by reaching out to the running community and you may surprise yourself.”