We’re thrilled to announce that Britain’s most decorated and successful Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, will be the official starter for the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon, taking place on Sunday 19 April.

Dame Sarah will play a central role in officially starting the event as 42,000 participants gather on the start line in Manchester. She will also meet participants at the finish as thousands complete the 26.2-mile route.

 

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As one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes, Dame Sarah has won 19 Paralympic gold medals, 30 Paralympic medals in total and 45 world titles across an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades in Paralympic swimming and cycling.

Joining her on the start line will be Departure Captain Zoe Lister, the voice behind the viral Jet2 Holidays advert, who will help welcome people to what is set to be the busiest start line yet, bringing a record number of participants and supporters to Greater Manchester for a day that has become one of the region’s standout sporting occasions.

Dame Sarah Storey said:

“To be asked to officially start the adidas Manchester Marathon is a real honour. There’s something incredibly special about the start of a marathon, the atmosphere, the anticipation and the emotion of thousands of people coming together, each with their own reason for being there. To be part of that moment, and then to welcome participants back at the finish line, is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Renowned for its fast, flat route and inclusive atmosphere, the event reached full capacity in record time, with demand higher than ever. As participants cross the finish line in Manchester city centre, Dame Sarah will be there to help celebrate their achievement, meeting finishers and presenting medals at the close of an unforgettable day.