Record day for UK marathon running as adidas Manchester Marathon welcomes 36,000 participants
A record-breaking 36,000 runners took part in the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon on Sunday, April 27, marking the largest edition in the event’s history.
The event coincided with the TCS London Marathon, creating the biggest single day of marathon participation in recent UK history. More than 90,000 runners were registered across both races.
The adidas Manchester Marathon this year introduced a new city centre finish on Oxford Road, with participants crossing the line against the backdrop of the University of Manchester. Over 140,000 supporters reportedly lined the 26.2-mile course, while more than 110,000 tuned in via the marathon’s live stream.
Around 50% of runners were tackling their first-ever marathon, reflecting the growing appeal of the event and an ongoing surge in marathon participation.
The 2025 elite races also saw competitive fields, with Josh Griffiths winning the men’s title in 2:16:56 and Tessa McCormick winning the women’s race in 2:34:53. Olivia Tsim claimed second place in the women’s event just seven months after giving birth.
Other standouts from the Manchester Marathon included:
- Steve Hughes set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed on a roller sit ski, beating his previous mark by 20 minutes.
- Kelsey Sheridan from Greater Manchester, who previously used a wheelchair due to CFS/ME, completed the marathon with the support of her assistance dog, Hamble.
- Harry Newton, aged 87 from Macclesfield, was the event’s oldest participant.
- Charlotte Whistlecroft completed the marathon dressed in full cricket gear, including helmet, gloves, pads and bat.
The marathon raised over £4 million for charities, including official partners The Alzheimer’s Society, The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and The Christie Charity. This figure is expected to rise as fundraising totals are finalised.
Andrew Smith, CEO of A.S.O. UK, organiser of the adidas Manchester Marathon, stated that Manchester “has shown once again why it’s one of the best cities to take on a marathon – welcoming, passionate and full of heart.”
He added, “To see 36,000 people cross the finish line, many for the very first time, on the UK’s biggest-ever day of marathon running, is incredibly special. We’re proud to celebrate this moment with the whole community – participants, volunteers, charities and supporters – who made this event so successful.”
The event also delivered an economic boost to Greater Manchester, with thousands of visitors supporting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses across the region.
The adidas Manchester Marathon is set to return on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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