A Brief History of the Adidas Manchester Marathon

The Adidas Manchester Marathon is an annual running event held in Manchester, England, that attracts runners from all over the world. The first event took place in 1908, but it wasn’t until 2012 that the marathon was rebranded and renamed the Adidas Manchester Marathon. Since then, the event has grown in popularity and reputation, attracting thousands of runners each year.

The first Manchester Marathon was held on July 25, 1908. The course started and finished at Hyde Road football ground and covered a total distance of 26 miles and 385 yards. The inaugural marathon was won by an Irishman named Johnny Hayes, who crossed the finish line in a time of 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 18.8 seconds. At the time, the race was known as the Manchester Road Race, and it was organized by the Manchester Athletic Club.

The first Manchester Marathon was a success, and it became an annual event. However, due to the outbreak of World War I, the marathon was suspended for a few years. It was then revived in the 1920s and 1930s, but it was once again disrupted by World War II. After the war, the marathon continued to be held every year, but it suffered from declining attendance and interest.

In 2012, the Manchester Marathon was rebranded and relaunched as the Adidas Manchester Marathon. The event was organized by the Running Bee Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to promote health and wellbeing in local communities through running. The new marathon was designed to be more accessible and inclusive, and it was marketed as a race for runners of all abilities, from beginner to elite.

The first Adidas Manchester Marathon took place on April 29, 2012, and it attracted over 6,000 runners. The course started and finished at Old Trafford football ground, home of Manchester United, and it covered a total distance of 26.2 miles. The winner of the men’s race was Andi Jones, who crossed the finish line in a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 55 seconds. The women’s race was won by Alyson Dixon, who completed the course in 2 hours, 34 minutes, and 51 seconds.

Since its relaunch in 2012, the Adidas Manchester Marathon has grown in popularity and reputation, attracting thousands of runners each year from all over the world. The race has also become an important fixture in the UK running calendar, and it is now recognized as one of the top marathons in the country.

The course of the Adidas Manchester Marathon is known for its fast and flat terrain, making it a popular choice for runners looking to achieve a personal best time. The course starts and finishes at Old Trafford football ground and takes runners on a tour of Manchester’s iconic landmarks, including the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, the Manchester Opera House, and the Spinningfields district.

The Adidas Manchester Marathon also has a strong focus on charity, with runners encouraged to raise money for a variety of local charities. The Running Bee Foundation, which organizes the event, donates all profits from the marathon to a range of health and wellbeing initiatives in the local area.

The Adidas Manchester Marathon has come a long way since its humble beginnings as the Manchester Road Race in 1908. Today, it is a world-class running event that attracts thousands of runners each year to the iconic city of Manchester. With its fast and flat course, its focus on inclusivity and accessibility, and its commitment to charity, the Adidas Manchester Marathon is a true celebration of sport and community.