It was the biggest year yet for the adidas Manchester Marathon, as a record-number of participants took to the iconic Trafford Arch start line to take on the challenge at the weekend (14 April).

Sky Sport’s Pien Meulensteen revved up the crowds before setting each wave off promptly, with Mancunian anthems playing in tribute to the musical culture of the city and surrounding areas. Pien was joined by Mayor Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester, who introduced the event with the following words: “Welcome to our great city and welcome to the adidas Manchester Marathon, without a doubt the friendliest Marathon around. We are very proud of it."

For the men’s category, adidas athlete Adam Clarke took the win in a stellar time of 2:16:29, with Marshall Smith nabbing second place – and a three minute PB – in 2:18:22. Hot on Smith’s heels was Alexander Teuten who took third place in 2:18:37 – overall, a fantastic performance from the field.

It was also an amazing day for the women’s first place Charlie Arnell who completed her first ever marathon in 2:37:14 (while looking incredibly fresh in the process). Melissah Gibson took second place in 2:42:09 with Clapham Chasers Anna Lawson in 2:44:32.

Finishers poured over the line thick and fast as midday approached, with 14,000 celebrating the completion of their first ever marathon, and many achieving personal bests thanks to the flat course and amazing on route support. No matter the result, every participant was congratulated by the incredible finish line MCs and mascots Manny and Chester who were seen hugging and high fiving finishers.

Out on the route, 125,000 supporters cheered their hearts out, with homemade signs, motivational chants and activations such as Little Belters in Altrincham spurring on the masses of participants.

If you'd like to know more about the 2025 Manchester Marathon (27 April 2025) you can do so here.

Image: adidas Manchester Marathon