Manchester Marathon

Location: Manchester
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.manchestermarathon.co.uk/
2025 Marathon Date: 27/04/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 19/04/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:16:56
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 500–999
Total Runners: 20k–30k

The Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s largest and most popular spring races, known for its flat profile, enthusiastic crowds and runner-first atmosphere. Held annually in Greater Manchester, this event has grown steadily in reputation and size, drawing thousands of domestic and international entrants each year.

The route begins near Old Trafford stadium and winds through the city’s southern suburbs, including Sale, Altrincham and Timperley. The course is fast and largely flat, with long, straight sections and very few sharp inclines. It’s designed to help runners lock into a rhythm and hold consistent splits throughout, making it a strong contender for personal bests and qualifying times.

Weather in Greater Manchester in late April tends to be cool and relatively stable. Race-day temperatures usually sit between 7–12°C, ideal for distance running. Conditions are generally overcast with light winds, though the city’s variable climate can bring rain or sunshine. Even in mixed weather, the layout and crowd support help keep runners focused and buoyed throughout.

Organisation is slick and supportive, with plentiful pacers, regular aid stations and clear signage across the entire route. Despite the event’s scale, the start zones are well managed, and congestion quickly thins after the early miles.

For sub-3 marathoners, Manchester offers the kind of fast, well-marshalled course that rewards pacing discipline and preparation. Its high number of sub-3 finishers is a testament to both course design and the quality of the field. With many club runners targeting it as a spring goal race, you’re rarely short of pacing company.

While it may not have the visual drama of more scenic marathons, the Manchester Marathon delivers on performance, atmosphere and consistency. It is one of the UK’s best options for serious amateur runners looking to go under three hours in a large but controlled environment. Whether you're chasing a PB or building experience on a fast course, Manchester delivers a no-nonsense, high-quality marathon experience.