The ASICS Manchester Half took over the streets of Greater Manchester today as over 23,000 participants came together to take on the 13.1-mile challenge, making it the largest half marathon the region has ever seen.  The day saw course records broken, World Records set and the event’s new look make its first appearance across the course, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

From Trafford through Stretford, Sale and Chorlton-cum-Hardy to the finish on Talbot Road, tens of thousands of supporters lined the route to cheer participants on and create an unforgettable atmosphere.

The elite action

 

The elite field delivered plenty of excitement, with this year’s event also hosting the English Half Marathon Championships.

Nathan Maguire set a new course record in the men’s wheelchair race, crossing the finish line in 47:01, while Roz Delap took the women’s wheelchair title in 1:12:13.

Alex Durant claimed the men’s English Half Marathon Championship in 1:02:51, with Molly Smith taking the women’s title in 1:11:42. Check out the male and female elite highlights here.

23,000 reasons to celebrate

 

So far, the event has already raised £1.6 million for charity, supporting organisations including The Christie, Cancer Research UK, Moya Cole and Alzheimer’s Society, alongside the Manchester Marathon Community Fund, with the final total still continuing to grow.

 

The record field brought together participants taking on the challenge for all sorts of inspiring reasons, with a quarter completing their first ever half marathon, including England Amputee Football Team captain Sean Jackson. Among those taking on their own unique challenges were David Price, who broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon completed by someone with Multiple Sclerosis in 01:30:30, and Josh Thompson, who set a new world record for the fastest half marathon dressed as a medical professional.

Keep sharing and tagging us in your photos, videos and memories from the day using @mcrhalf.

 

Andrew Smith, CEO of Manchester Half event organiser, A.S.O. UK commented: “It’s always a special moment when you finally get to see months of planning come together on event day but today felt particularly exciting as we welcomed our biggest field yet and saw the new identity out on the streets for the first time.

What I love most about this event is that there isn’t one way to experience it. Everyone arrives with their own reason for being there, their own goal and their own story, and then you see all of those people come together and create something really special across Greater Manchester.”

 

See you in 2027

The ASICS Manchester Half will return on Sunday 3 October 2027. Following this year’s event selling out six months in advance, places will be released at 14:00 tomorrow (Monday 5 October). For the best chance of securing a place at the best available price, those interested can register for Priority Access now here.