As thousands take to the streets of London, more than 35,000 runners will be take part in tomorrow's adidas Manchester Marathon, with organisers saying that they were expecting an international field for the day’s sporting charity-raising event.
It welcomes incredible British talent, with over 70 elite athletes set to take on an event which will also host the 2025 England Athletics English Championships. With millions of pounds to be raised for official and associated charities The Christie, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation, a strong field includes previous winners and new faces who will be battling it out for the podium finish on the stunning new Oxford Road finish line.
Among the many great names taking on the event, in the women’s race, having run 108 marathons in her lifetime so far, last year’s 2nd place title holder, Melissah Gibson, returns with hopes of bettering her previous podium position. And in the men’s race, Adam Clarke is in fighting form and ready to defend his title, having won the Farnborough Half Marathon in February.
He is looking forward to being back racing in Manchester. The annual race, which, this year, has a new finish line outside the University of Manchester on Oxford Road.
The route will meander along Chester Road and Bridgewater Way, with the rest of the route begins closed, and several vehicle crossings put in place around the course, along with diversions, while parking has been suspended on a number of streets. With the course going around South Manchester, the start is by Manchester United’s Old Trafford football stadium before turning back on to Chester Road towards Sale, before arriving in Altrincham.
Danny Vaughan, chief network director at TfGM said: “The Manchester Marathon is a highlight of the city centre calendar, and our job is to make sure everyone can get to and from the event as smoothly as possible.
“We want everyone to have a great day – whether they are taking on the run themselves or cheering on a friend or loved one – and would urge people to plan their journey in advance, leave plenty of time and check the Bee Network app or website for the most up-to-date information. Organisers said all roads are due to reopen by 19:00, with many becoming accessible sooner.
Part of Oxford Road from Hulme Street to Grafton Street, as well as several surrounding roads in Manchester city centre will shut today between 08:00 BST and midday ahead of the race. Thousands of competitors are expected to use services early, while later in the day spectators will be moving around the network to cheer runners on.
