THE ADIDAS MANCHESTER MARATHON 2025: HOW THE ACTION UNFOLDED

The adidas Manchester Marathon 2025 has made headlines as 36,000 participants signed up to take on 26.2 miles in vibrant Greater Manchester with blue skies accompanying them round the course. History was made today as the UK’s top two marathons coincided making it the largest day of marathon running in the UK.

36,000 people lined up to tackle the distance under the Trafford Arch start line.

In a fitting finale for the thousands of finishers and on a day of unforgettable achievements, the course concluded on the brand new Oxford Road finish line, framed by the stunning University of Manchester.

More than 140,000 spectators lined the streets of Greater Manchester, from Altrincham to Sale and Chorlton to the City Centre they delivered the electric atmosphere the event is known for. Over 110,000 tuned in online to watch the action unfold on the ever-popular event live stream.

This year’s event saw over half of participants taking on their their first ever marathon – including women’s second place Olivia Tsim who completed her debut marathon just 7 months after giving birth to her daughter.

Olivia Tsim – women’s second place – was reunited with her baby daughter Alexis at the finish line.

The elite fields did not disappoint. The men’s race was won by Josh Griffiths in a time of 02:16:56, while Tessa McCormick took the women’s title in 02:34:53, as the event also hosted the prestigious 2025 English Championships for over 70 top athletes.

Inspirational stories were in no short supply. 28 year old Kelsey Sheridan overcame CFS/ME to complete her first marathon with the support of her assistance dog, Hamble, while Bolton-born Charlotte Whistlecroft took part in full cricket gear in memory of her friend, David. Wheelchair participant Steve Hughes also set a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed on a roller sit ski – smashing 21 minutes off his own record to the cheers and applause of thousands.

Bolton-born Charlotte Whistlecroft took part in full cricket gear in memory of her friend, David.

This year’s fundraising has already surpassed last year’s £3.5 million total with over £4 million raised for hundreds of causes, including our Official Charities; Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, and The Christie Charity. This figure is expected to continue to rise over the the next few days.

Andrew Smith, CEO of event organisers A.S.O. UK, said: “To see thousands people cross the finish line, many for the first time, on the UK’s largest ever day of marathon running, is incredibly special. We’re proud to celebrate this moment with everyone who made it possible.”

With major economic benefits to Greater Manchester and a celebration of our incredible home, the adidas Manchester Marathon continues to solidify its place as one of Europe’s premier mass participation events.

The adidas Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 19th April 2026. Those who would like the chance to enter next year’s event can sign-up to receive priority access now ahead of public opening on Tuesday 29th April.