The adidas Manchester Marathon team has confirmed the date for its 2026 event, with runners set to return to the streets of Trafford and Manchester on Sunday 19 April 2026. Excitement is already building for this year’s event, which takes place on 27 April and is set to welcome a record-breaking 36,000 runners to what has become one of the UK’s most popular and fastest-growing marathons.

Organisers tell us: "The 2025 edition sold out faster than ever before, highlighting the incredible demand for this flat, friendly and well-supported race."

Organisers have also confirmed that, in response to overwhelming feedback, the 2026 event will continue to offer entries via a guaranteed first-come, first-served process rather than a ballot. An initial wave of entries will open for those on the Priority List at noon on Monday 28 April 2025, with general entries going on sale the following day.

The team has also moved to reassure runners who may also be entering the London Marathon ballot for 2026. In a gesture designed to give runners extra flexibility, anyone who secures a Manchester place during this window but later receives a London Marathon ballot spot will be eligible for a refund (terms apply), easing the pressure on those trying to plan their race calendar.

With the Manchester Marathon continuing to grow in both size and reputation, the 2026 edition looks set to be another highlight of the UK running calendar. And with the 2025 event just around the corner, the streets of Manchester are preparing once again for a celebration of community spirit, determination and personal bests.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Manchester Marathon website.

Image: adidas Manchester Marathon