Thousands of runners came together in Manchester on Sunday 10^th October 2021 for the Therme Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half, for a truly memorable (and sunny!) day. We saw runners of all abilities lace up to tackle either a 13.1 mile or 26.2 mile course, some of whom were taking on their first event and others who were fundraising for incredibly important charities. After so many cancellations and postponements, we’re sure we all can agree it was very special to see these events finally come to life in 2021.

Running side by side with our runners was a competitive field of elite athletes, who certainly rose to the occasion. Matthew Crehan was crowned the male victor of the Therme Manchester Marathon, with an astounding time of 02:18:26. And.. it happened to be Matthew’s 30^th birthday – what a way to spend the day! Close on Matthew’s heels was Dundee Hawkhill Harriers’ club runner James Donald who finished in an impressive time of 02:20:36, followed by Dave Barratt in 02:22:22.

Leading the women home for Therme Manchester Marathon, was Salford Harriers’ runner Anna Bracegirdle who burst across the finish line with a time of 02:40:17. Heather Townsend and Sorcha Nic Dhomhnail, 02:44:50 and 02:46:24 respective finish times, followed Anna closely across the line to rapturous applause from the supporters.

In an all-male Wheelchair Elite field, Scottish athlete Sean Frame (from Red Star Athletics Glasgow club) was a clear winner, racing across the finish line in a fantastic time of 01:39:08. We had predicted in an earlier article that Samuel Kolek would be one to watch, and he did not let us down finishing second with 01:45:57.

The Manchester Half was equally thrilling to watch as Welsh runner Ciaran Lewis competed in his FIRST EVER half marathon event to be announced as the winner with an astonishing 01:06:10. With seconds between them, New Zealander Paul Martelletti finished in 01:07:01 with Mohammed Saleh close on his heels with 01:07:34.

Local runner Mollie Williams made Salford proud by being crowned first female finisher at the Manchester Half with an impressive 01:15:46. She was shortly joined by Breege Connolly, 01:16:30, and Claire Clancy, 01:18:35, who both flew over the line.

It certainly was a thrilling day and we can’t thank you enough for all being a part of it!