Manchester is gearing up for a remarkable sporting event on April 19th, featuring the adidas Manchester Marathon and an important Premier League match. The city will witness the marathon’s largest edition yet, with over 150,000 spectators expected to cheer on the participants.
Key Events of the Day
As 55,000 fans gather for the Manchester City versus Arsenal match, the marathon will see more than 70 elite athletes compete for glory. This year’s marathon will also host the 2026 England Athletics English Championships, heightening the event’s profile.
Standout Athletes to Watch
Women’s Elite Field
- Naomi Robinson: The 2023 champion returns with strong momentum after winning gold for Great Britain at the IAU 50km World Championships.
- Melissah Gibson: Last year’s runner-up, Gibson also participated in the recent IAU World Championships, making her a strong contender.
- Heather Timmins: With a remarkable qualifying time of 2:32:40 from the Zurich Seville Marathon, Timmins looks set for podium contention.
Men’s Elite Field
- Joshua Griffiths: The defending champion aims to keep his title after finishing with a time of 2:16:56 in 2025.
- Steven Bayton: The former champion returns for the first time since his victory in 2016, eager to reclaim his status.
- Will Clarke: The Olympic triathlete, who competed in the previous marathon edition, will also be a strong competitor.
Wheelchair Elite Field
- Bret Crossley: The reigning champion from 2024 is back to defend his title, aiming for another impressive performance.
- Josh Hickinbottom: Having secured third place at the Manchester Half Marathon 2025 with a time of 56:03, Hickinbottom is primed to challenge Crossley.
Prize Structure and Race Timings
The prize money will remain consistent across all elite categories, reflecting the adidas Manchester Marathon’s dedication to gender equality in sports. An additional £500 bonus will be awarded to athletes finishing in under 2:16 for men and under 2:36 for women.
| Event | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Race | 08:55 |
| Elite Men’s Race | 09:00 |
| Elite Women’s Race | 09:00 |
Fans can catch the elite races via live stream, with results and winner announcements to follow shortly after the event. The adidas Manchester Marathon promises a day filled with excitement and elite athleticism.
