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Apr 19, 2026
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The Manchester Marathon is a fast, predominantly flat point-to-point course that winds through the heart of Manchester and surrounding areas. Starting at Cornbrook, the route showcases the city's industrial heritage, green spaces, and modern regeneration, finishing at Manchester Town Hall. The course is IAAF certified and known for attracting elite runners seeking quick times.
Cool spring weather typical of northwest England with a moderate chance of rain. Runners should expect mild temperatures but should prepare for wet conditions and variable wind patterns.
The Race
Manchester
The Manchester Marathon was founded in 1982, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 44 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Manchester, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.
The course record of 02:07:13, set by Moses Kemboi in 2013, speaks to what the Manchester Marathon offers elite athletes: a fast, honest course where serious times are achievable. The record has drawn increasingly competitive fields year after year.
Runners come to the Manchester Marathon for one reason: personal bests. The flat, fast course through Manchester has a reputation as a PB factory, with the roads seemingly designed to keep your pace honest and your splits consistent from start to finish.
The Manchester Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier, and that three-letter abbreviation — BQ — transforms the race from an event into a gateway. Every year, runners come to Manchester not just to finish but to chase a time that unlocks the world's most exclusive marathon.
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02:07:13
Moses Kemboi (2013)
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