Last weekend, I participated in the ASICS Manchester Marathon, a favorite in the running community and a must-do for marathon enthusiasts. This year marked my fourth consecutive year participating, and it proved to be a unique and inspiring experience.

Joining the ASICS FrontRunner Team

This year was particularly special as I was selected for the ASICS FrontRunner team, a milestone that filled me with excitement and nerves. Meeting my new teammates added an extra layer of motivation, and we bonded over our shared love for running. The team meet-up coincided with the marathon weekend, allowing us to connect through activities, discussions about our experiences, and even a film screening of Skid Row—a must-see that left us all energized for race day!

Running the Manchester Marathon: Preparing for the Race

The Manchester Marathon is known for its well-organized logistics, and this year was no exception. The pre-race atmosphere is electric, with 20,000 runners gathering for the challenge ahead. The event village is clearly marked, and the baggage drop-off process is seamless, which is a relief when nerves are running high.

Race Day Conditions

Waking up to perfect weather was a blessing. The temperatures were ideal for running, and the excitement in the air was palpable as runners made their way to the starting line. The race is set off in waves to minimise congestion. This year, I had the pleasure of sharing the starting pen with fellow FrontRunners, which helped ease pre-race jitters.

The Race Experience

  • Atmosphere and Support The Manchester Marathon is renowned for its incredible atmosphere. Spectators cheer, hand out water, and even offer jelly babies, creating a festival-like environment. It’s an experience that’s hard to put into words; you have to feel it for yourself! Despite running with only one working earphone, I found the race’s atmosphere far more captivating than any playlist could provide.
  • Pushing Through the Pain As I entered the final stretch, the famous finishing straight seemed to stretch on forever. Every year, it feels like the finish line is just a little further away! The emotional support from the crowd was overwhelming; strangers shouted my name, pushing me to dig deep and finish strong.

Celebrating Success

I crossed the finish line in 4:12:55, a time that exceeded my expectations given my previous challenges with injuries. All those early mornings and long training runs paid off. I wasn’t the only one celebrating; my teammates Livvy and Becca also smashed their personal bests, making the day even more special.

Why Choose the Manchester Marathon?

If you’re considering a marathon, don’t view the Manchester Marathon as a “backup” option. This race has a reputation for being just as competitive and rewarding as other major marathons, including London.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, the ASICS Manchester Marathon offers an experience unlike any other. With its perfect combination of organisation, support, and community spirit, it’s no wonder this race continues to grow in popularity each year.

I’m already looking forward to next year and can’t wait to see what the ASICS Manchester Marathon has in store for us. Happy running!