If you took part in the event on Sunday, you’ll know that the adidas Manchester Marathon finish line feeling is like no other.

Even as participants streamed in thick and fast, that moment belonged to YOU, and we’re repeatedly blown away by the relief, determination, grit and pure elation on the faces of our participants as they cross the finish line.

To celebrate the amazing experience, we’re spotlighting just three finish line moments that were captured on the day. From a dramatic – and painful – finish for our barefoot runners, to a breakthrough talent and a surprise proposal, we spoke to our finishers about what the event meant to them.

1. FRED AND BARNEY FLINTSTONE

Participants Mike Kochy and Ed were unmissable at the event, as they took on the challenge barefoot dressed as Fred and Barney Flintstone. Although the course was pavement and there were no stones or flints to be seen, the duo finished the event clasping each other in relief, with Ed’s foot in a bandage. Mike Kochy told us more about the wacky but brutal challenge:

“The idea behind the challenge came from an IronMan where my shoes were hurting me so much, I had to take them off. I ran the rest of the running leg barefoot – no socks either! This experience made me realise that I could push through boundaries and go through pain for a greater cause. I have channelled that motivation into raising money for various charities, which is why we took on the adidas Manchester Marathon. ”

“The experience on Sunday was extremely challenging but I am glad that we did it. Eddie is a machine and set a really good pace, but I’m open to say it was emotionally difficult in places. Overall, we are both so glad to have done this challenge and our pain was nothing compared to those being supported by the foundations we work with”.

Well done both and we hope that you are recovering well after the event.

 

2. CHARLIE ARNELL

Sunday also saw the breakthrough talent of Charlie Arnell, who took women’s first place in a time of 02:37:12, in what was her first ever marathon. Charlie told us more about her race and the ‘surreal’ experience at the finish line:

“My plan was just to enjoy the experience and get the pacing right. I felt really good most of the way round – even in the final few miles (although my legs tell a different story).

To end up winning was a surreal experience but it’s really motivated me in my next training block. I plan to take on my next marathon later on in the year.

Overall the event was well organised and there was great support throughout the whole route.

Thank you Manchester!”

Congratulations Charlie and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

3. TRACEY AND CRAIG

Club runners Tracey and Craig started the event in separate waves, but with a little help from the event organisers, they met two hours later at the finish line (as Tracey came through) where Craig got down on one knee and proposed!

Tracey spoke about about her surprise despite having had a “conversation about our future plans”. Despite not  having finished in the time she hoped for, she said “when he got down on one knee I think my oxygen depleted brain kicked in and figured out why he was so insistent I ‘stand still for a moment’. The moment made my not so great run disappear in a matter of seconds and for that I bagged me a PB in the end anyway.”

Man of the moment Craig said “With weeks and weeks planning and thinking what to say and do, I’ll admit I was nervous! My heart was pounding, and my head was thinking of so many scenarios which would happen (me over thinking as always). However, I had a job to do and even the first aiders wasn’t getting in my way!

It’s all still unreal for both of us, but we are both very happy”.

Congratulations guys and we’re glad to have helped make this a special moment for you!

Well done to all our finishers and we hope you remember your special moment for years to come!