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Adidas Manchester Marathon

April 18, 2027 · 7:00 AMManchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

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Race snapshot

Race Day

52°F

43–59°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

164ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +16 ft

Participants

20K

Major marathon

Crowd Rating

7/ 10

Excellent spectator turnout

The Lowdown

The Adidas Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s premier spring marathons, tracing its modern roots to the city’s long tradition of road racing and growing rapidly into a top destination for both elite athletes chasing fast times and club runners seeking a personal best. Held each April, the race has become an integral part of Manchester’s sporting calendar, attracting tens of thousands of participants and supporters from across the UK and internationally. Over the years it has gained a reputation for reliable organization, strong spectator support, and a lively race village that celebrates the city’s sporting and cultural energy. The course is a predominantly flat, fast loop through Greater Manchester that showcases many of the region’s landmarks and varied urban scenery. Runners pass historic Salford and the modern waterfront at Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, run alongside the River Irwell, and thread through iconic city-centre areas including Castlefield and Deansgate before finishing close to central Manchester. The route’s gentle profile and long, straight sections make it a popular choice for PB attempts and for athletes aiming to qualify for major international races. On course, athletes experience enthusiastic local crowds, live music and bands at multiple points, and well-spaced aid stations and crowd support that help maintain a buoyant, festival-like atmosphere from start to finish. The event is officially measured and certified and is recognized as a qualifying race for marathons such as Boston; it is delivered to high standards in line with national governing body requirements and international measurement practices (AIMS/IAAF/World Athletics measurement standards). Whether chasing a competitive time, a Boston qualifying mark, or simply enjoying a memorable marathon through one of Britain’s most dynamic cities, participants can expect a well-supported, fast-course experience with strong local flavor.

Jun 24, 2026: 2027 edition announced for Sunday 18 April 2027; registration interest open
The official manchestermarathon.co.uk site confirms the 2027 adidas Manchester Marathon is scheduled for Sunday 18 April 2027. As of 2026-06-24, general registration is not yet open — a 'Register Interest' option is available. No 2027 pricing has been published. adidas continues as title sponsor. Official charity partners announced: Alzheimer's Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Mind, and The Christie Charity.
Apr 19, 2026: 2026 edition completed
The adidas Manchester Marathon 2026 took place on 19 April 2026.
Jul 15, 2025: 2026 event sold out after record demand
Organisers announced the adidas Manchester Marathon 2026 sold out after final allocations were released; over 40,000 participants secured places for the 19 April 2026 race.

Course Highlights: 01Old Trafford – The iconic home of Manchester United football club that runners pass early in the course
02Salford Quays – Waterfront district featuring The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North
03MediaCityUK – Modern media and broadcast hub on the Salford Quays waterfront
04Etihad Stadium – Manchester City's stadium visible on the eastern section of the route
05Deansgate and Spinningfields – Major commercial and retail thoroughfares in central Manchester
06Castlefield – Historic canals, Roman remains and industrial heritage area crossed by the course
07Manchester Cathedral – Historic medieval cathedral in the city centre near the race route
Time Limit: 7 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Ballot/Lottery
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Elite/Invited Entry
Eligibility: Be at least 18 years old on race day (18 April 2027)
Complete official online entry and pay the required entry fee
Provide emergency contact details and any relevant medical information during registration
Agree to and comply with the event terms & conditions and race rules
Be sufficiently fit and medically cleared to attempt a marathon (medical clearance recommended)
Start in your allocated start wave and wear the official race number visibly on the front
Comply with cut-off/sweep vehicle times on course (event organisers may remove or re-route runners who cannot maintain required pace)
Race organisers reserve the right to refuse or cancel an entry and no refunds or transfers are allowed except as specified in the event policy
Required Documents: Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
Proof of age (passport or birth certificate)
UKA/World Athletics club licence (if entering as a licensed athlete)
Medical certificate or doctor's note (if requested or for pre-existing medical conditions)
Parental/guardian consent form (for entrants under 18)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstances
Bib transfers permitted via the official system until 30 days before the event subject to an administrative fee
Deferrals to the following year allowed if requested more than 30 days before race for an administration fee
If the organiser cancels the event for reasons outside participants' control entrants will be offered a full refund or a guaranteed place in the rescheduled event

01: The race starts in Heaton Park and finishes on Deansgate in Manchester city centre, with a predominantly flat, fast course that is popular for personal best attempts.
02: The route passes key landmarks including Salford Quays and the Manchester ship canal, offering a mix of urban scenery and waterside sections.
03: Race weekend includes a race expo and race pack collection in the days before the marathon, plus a family-friendly Fun Run and junior events.
04: All finishers receive a custom finisher medal and technical race shirt, and there is a post-race food and refreshment village with seated recovery areas and local vendors.
05: Public transport is strongly recommended—there is limited parking near the start in Heaton Park—and aid stations with water and sports drink are placed regularly (about every 3–4 km) along the course.

Questions about the Adidas Manchester Marathon 2027

When is the Adidas Manchester Marathon 2027?

Sunday, April 18, 2027.

What time does the Adidas Manchester Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:00 AM, local time.

What is the Adidas Manchester Marathon time limit?

7 hours.

How do I enter the Adidas Manchester Marathon 2027?

Registration has not opened yet. Ways in: Online Registration; Ballot/Lottery; Charity Entry; Tour Operator.

What is the Adidas Manchester Marathon course like?

50 m of total elevation gain. It passes Old Trafford, Salford Quays and MediaCityUK.

What is the weather like at the Adidas Manchester Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 6–15 °C (43–59 °F).

Is the Adidas Manchester Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer164ft gain, 52°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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