The adidas Manchester Marathon, Europe’s fourth largest marathon, welcomed record numbers on Sunday to take on the scenic 26.2-mile route through the streets of Greater Manchester.
Over 32,000 people registered to take part have already raised over £3.5 million for hundreds of charities.
The challenge, renowned for its flat course and friendly atmosphere saw participants from across the world set off underneath the Trafford Arch. MC and sports presenter Pien Meulensteen was on hand to spark the marathon engine at the Start Line, before the participants swarmed past some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks, including Manchester United’s ‘Theatre of Dreams’, Lancashire Cricket Club, Bridgewater Hall and Beetham Tower.
Team GB Olympic cycling legend Dame Laura Kenny, England rugby coach and MND campaigner Kevin Sinfield and Love Island’s Kaz Crossley were among the many notable figures to join the mass field of participants.
Over 125,000 enthusiastic supporters were joined in attendance by the marathon’s brand-new mascot Chester the Bee, the partner of much-loved Manny the Bee.
On a day helped by perfect performance conditions, Adam Clarke took the individual honours after completing the marathon in a rapid 02:16:29. In the women’s race, Charlie Arnell ran a standout winning time of 02:37:14, while Bret Crossley took the wheelchair title in 01:50:35.
Additionally, the event saw multiple new world records set, including Christian Howett for running a full marathon in crocs, finishing in a snappy 02:58:54. Almost impossible to miss were a group of six participants, Marcus Green, Rich Bidgood, Hugh Tibbs, Nick Wright, David Mills and James Bewley dressed as a caterpillar, setting a world record for the fastest marathon in a six-person costume (2:57:31).
All participants who crossed the finish line received a bespoke 2024 finisher medal, plus a t-shirt with an exclusive design by local Mancunian cityscape artist, Meha Hindocha. As part of the eco-friendly Green Runner initiative, 7% of participants chose to forgo their rewards, with the proceeds being donated to City of Trees to support their work across Greater Manchester.
Loved-up participant Craig Freestone surprised his longtime girlfriend Tracey at the finish line with a proposal, which she duly accepted. The day was filled with more lifetime memories and mementos as participant Christine Appleyard pushed her daughter, who suffers from haploinsufficiency syndrome and epilepsy, in her wheelchair for the final 5k of the challenge, and participant Ben Brindley pushed a wheelbarrow for the entirety of the event to raise awareness of mental health in the construction industry, where two people take their own life every working day.
Event organisers will make a £1 donation to the Trafford Active Fund for each participant. The initiative provides local clubs and organisations with the opportunity to receive a special allocation of funds to build a long-term sport and physical activity legacy in greater Manchester.
Andrew Smith, CEO of adidas Manchester Marathon organisers Human Race, said: “Seeing so many people participate in this year’s event in the stunning surrounds of Greater Manchester was incredible. I want to congratulate and extend my personal gratitude to everyone who took part.
“The event is the highlight of our year, and it wouldn’t be one of the most recognisable running events in the world without our incredible participants, volunteers and event staff who never fail to make this event feel special.
“We are thrilled to have made substantial contributions to several charities, as well as the Trafford Active Fund and our Green Runner charity, City of Trees, in support of everyone’s outstanding fundraising efforts. These donations will have a lasting effect on the local community. Everyone should be very proud!”
