More than 32,000 participants took part in the ASICS Manchester Half Marathon on a dewy October morning, with thousands of runners travelling on the Manchester Metrolink to the start line. The 13.1-mile challenge turned city streets into a route for athletes and spectators alike.
Race Start and Route
The wheelchair wave started at 8:50am, followed by elite athlete divisions, before all other participants funnelled downhill through the starting line at nine-minute intervals. Runners skirted Trafford Wharf side and covered a lengthy stretch of Chester Road, passing through Sale, Chorlton, and finally Old Trafford again.
Spectators lined the route with DIY signs made from cereal boxes, IKEA cardboard, and whiteboards. Among the crowd were professional dancer and Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez, and professional boxer and TV star Tommy Fury.
Charity Runners and World Record Attempt
Josh ran barefoot in the bronze wave for the Christie Charity. Another runner, 29-year-old paramedic Joshua Thompson, ran for the world record of the fastest half marathon dressed as a healthcare professional. He told the Manchester Evening News: "The top was okay but it was the trousers. They were incredibly sweaty and it did get tough about halfway on. The time to beat was 1hr58, and I think I got it in 1hr33, so hopefully I can submit that and get the world record." He added: "I've raised over £1000 for the North West Ambulance Charity, which also helps buy equipment and support staff wellbeing. A lot of my colleagues are very hard-working, a lot of time I just want to give back to them."
Debbie, 43, a paramedic who was off-duty, said: "Pains? Everywhere. But we'd done it for charity, for the Poodle Network." Her teacher friend, 41-year-old Jeanette, explained: "We're a team of volunteers that take in poodles that are in need of help and support from neglect etc. We recently took 24 poodles in from one home, gave them vet care they need, and we have a team of volunteers that fosters them until they are ready to be rehomed." She added: "I have a poodle at home called Dave that I rescued ten years ago through Poodle Network and chose to be a volunteer for them ever since. We've raised nearly £400 for them today!"
Personal Stories and Future Plans
20-year-old friends Wasik and Tanmir finished their first half-marathon together. Wasik said: "I am absolutely knackered. My quads and my calves started cramping up but I pushed through just because I thought about my friend in a worse situation, that motivated me to go through." Tanmir added: "About 7k in I felt like my knee popped out or something, so I had to run stiff-legged the whole time. Then I stopped in the middle where an ambulance tent was telling me to stop, I said f*** no! I crossed the line at just over 2hrs40. We both finished it." Tanmir also noted: "I've got a hike on Wednesday in Peak District, Scalfell Pike, so I've only got two days recovery."
Sean Jackson, captain of England's amputee football team, completed his first half-marathon. He said: "We're heading out to Mexico in November for the World Cup. Originally we were trying to raise funds to get us there, but luckily a few weeks ago that money came in, so now for me it's about raising awareness for amputee football and inspire people today that are watching." Both Gorka Marquez and Sean said they were craving pizza after the run. The Manchester Half will return on Sunday 3 October 2027.
