Human Race Deliver Largest Ever adidas Manchester Marathon

It was the biggest year ever at the adidas Manchester Marathon 2024 on Sunday 14 April 2024, as a record-number of participants took to the iconic Trafford Arch start line to take on the challenge.

Sky Sport’s Pien Meulensteen revved up the crowds before setting each wave off promptly, with Mancunian anthems playing in tribute to the musical culture of the city and surrounding areas. Pien was joined by Mayor Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester, who introduced the event with the following words:

“Welcome to our great city and welcome to the adidas Manchester Marathon, without a doubt the friendliest Marathon around. We are very proud of it”.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham set off the first waves at the Trafford Arch start.

The weather conditions were favourable, with low wind and cloud coverage broken by intermittent sunshine.

A record-breaking number of participants signed up for the iconic 26.2 mile challenge.

It was an exciting wait at the finish line, as Bret Crossley broke the tape in 01:50:35, followed by an exciting battle for second place between Matthew Clarke and Tiaan Bosch (Clarke pipped Bosch to the post in 01:59:59 with Bosch a mere 2 seconds behind in 02:00:01!)

Bret Crossley broke the tape in 01:50:35.

For the men’s category, adidas athlete Adam Clarke took the win in a stellar time of 02:16:29, with Marshall Smith nabbing second place – and a 3 minute PB – in 02:18:22. Hot on Smith’s heels was Alexander Teuten who took third place in 02:18:37 – overall, a fantastic performance from the field.

Adam Clarke took men’s first place in 02:16:29.

It was also an amazing day for the women’s first place Charlie Arnell who completed her first ever marathon in 02:37:14 (while looking incredibly fresh in the process). Melissah Gibson took second place in 02:42:09 with Clapham Chasers Anna Lawson in 02:44:32.

Charlie Arnell completed her first ever marathon in 02:37:14.

Finishers poured over the line thick and fast as midday approached, with 14,000 celebrating the completion of their first ever marathon, and many achieving personal bests thanks to the flat course and amazing on route support. No matter the result, every participant was congratulated by the incredible finisher line MCs and mascots Manny and Chester who were seen hugging and high fiving finishers.

Out on the route, 125,000 supporters cheered their hearts out, with homemade signs, motivational chants and activations such as Little Belters in Altrincham spurring on the masses of participants.

Well done to all of our inspiring finishers who will wear their medal and finisher top with pride: we hope you had a blast and we can’t wait to see you back in years to come!

Entries to the 2025 event open 16 April, 12:00. You can also enter next year’s Manchester Half which takes place on Sunday 13th April here.