This is the moment, take the plunge and set your sights on a marathon in 2023. The adidas Manchester Marathon returns on 16 April next year and entries are already open. So, what's keeping you?

Since announcing the 2023 date, organisers have seen 'sky-high demand', thanks to the marathon's famously flat course and incredible atmosphere. In recent years, Manchester really has become one of the most in-demand places to run a marathon.

The event is a firm favourite with runners of all abilities, ranging from some of the world’s greatest elite runners, to those who thought completing a marathon would never be possible. It’s the fourth largest marathon in Europe, and the second largest marathon in the UK by a distance, with the 2022 edition seeing over 24,000 runners lace up for the challenge.

This year competition was tight for top spot with Jonny Mellor taking first place in a time of 2:10:46. He was closely followed by Ross Millington and Kevin Seaward with respective times of 2:11:38 and 2:11:54. Joining her compatriots as first female finisher was Becky Briggs, who finished with a record-breaking time of 2:29:04, closely followed by Naomi Mitchell (2:30:54) and Georgina Schwiening (2:31:37).

But as we said, this race is not just for the elites. For those not ready to commit to the full 26.2-mile distance next spring, a relay entry is available enabling runners to split the distance between a team of two or four, giving all team members a taste of the iconic Mancunian support along the route.

To secure your place at one of the friendliest marathons and experience a day you will never forget visit the website for more details.

Image: Manchester Marathon/Human Race