About 36,000 people took part in the adidas Manchester Marathon, as runners set off at 10-minute intervals, which started at Old Trafford football stadium and finishing by Manchester University on Oxford Road.
Crowds of tens of thousands gathered to cheer on those tackling the 26.2-mile (42.1km) route for a variety of causes. A group of runners ran on a street lined with traffic cones and crowds on a sunny day, with Manchester University chosen as the backdrop for the finish line.
Manchester Marathon announced the first finishers on Facebook. Josh Griffiths completed the marathon in 02:16:56 and Tessa McCormick finished it in 02:34:53.
With the London Marathon also beginning earlier, which saw 56,000 runners tackle the course in England's capital, more than 90,000 people across the country took on 26.2 miles in the largest day of marathon running ever to take place in the UK.
From Altrincham to Sale and Chorlton to the City Centre, the electric atmosphere that the event is known for, witnessed over 110,000 who tuned in online to watch the action unfold on the ever-popular event live stream.
This year’s event saw over half of participants taking on their first ever marathon – including women’s second place Olivia Tsim who completed her debut marathon just 7 months after giving birth to her daughter. The elite fields did not disappoint.
The men’s race was won by James Griffiths in a time of 02:16:56, while Tessa McCormick took the women’s title in 02:34:53, as the event also hosted the prestigious 2025 English Championships for over 70 top athletes. And for inspirational stories – they were in no short supply, with wheelchair participant Steve Hughes setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed on a roller sit ski – smashing 21 minutes off his own record to the cheers and applause of thousands.
This year’s fundraising has already surpassed last year’s £3.5 million total with over £4 million raised for hundreds of causes, including our Official Charities; Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, and The Christie Charity. This figure is expected to continue to rise over the next few days.
Andrew Smith, CEO of event organisers A.S.O. UK, said: “To see thousands of people cross the finish line, many for the first time, on the UK’s largest ever day of marathon running, is incredibly special.
“We’re proud to celebrate this moment with everyone who made it possible.” With major economic benefits to Greater Manchester and a celebration of our incredible home, the adidas Manchester Marathon continues to solidify its place as one of Europe’s premier mass participation events.
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 19th April 2026.
