It was a morning of crisp blue skies and high spirits at the Manchester Half 2023, with an overall 16,5000 participants having signed up for the sell-out event. Participants of all different goals and abilities lined up to take 13.1 miles through the heart of Manchester and its communities, and finishers were not disappointed by what the day had in store for them!

At the start line in Trafford, each wave was set off promptly and continued onwards towards the lively city centre. As the course turned out towards the communities of Stretford, Sale and Chorlton-cum-Hardy, participants enjoyed pumping music, live DJs, cheer points and the Puma NITRO tunnel.

Then, in no time at all it seemed, the first finishers were flying over the line. Matthew Clarke took wheelchair first place in a rapid time of 58:59, with Jack Rowe setting a new male course record in 1:02:40 and Lauren McNeil smashing the female record in 1:10:02.

The remaining field began to flow through the finish thick and fast, and there were smiles, air punches, hands held, and many hugs. Finishers then continued a short distance to collect their unique Express Yourself finisher’s medal, which was a colourful ‘lucky dip’ of one of thirty-six possible designs.

The tired but happy finishers also enjoyed their rewards from ERDINGER Alkoholfrei, Tenzing Natural Energy and SiS, before moving on to celebrate their achievement with loved ones in the bustling cafes and bars of Manchester. It was even good weather for a park picnic, with not a cloud in sight all day long.

The event was topped off by the money raised for on behalf of the event’s Official Charity Partners, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and The Christie. Our Official Charities raised over £400,000 for the amazing work that they do. The event also raised an overall total of over £950,000 for the good causes of all charities involved! 

Well done to all finishers at the event, and thank you to the official partners, charities, volunteers and crew. We can’t wait to welcome returners and new faces to our event next year, or sooner at the adidas Manchester Marathon on Sunday 14th April 2024.