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manchester Half Marathon 2025 sees record turnout of 28,000 runners Joe Wigfield won the elite men’s race with a spectacular course record (1:02:02).
Thousands of runners packed the streets of Greater Manchester to tackle the 13.1 mile distance, many of whom helped contribute over £1.6 million (including Gift Aid) to local and national charities.
On Sunday, with fast racing and optimal racing conditions, 8-10 degree temperatures and only the lightest of breezes, six people broke 63 minutes.
Wigfield demonstrated his immense range when representing Great Britain in the 800 meters (PB 1:46.11), and was able to overtake Johnny Mellor, who is the ninth fastest ever in Great Britain (2:09:06).
The 25-year-old enjoyed five seconds of victory as he shook his finger and crossed the finish line near Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire Cricket Club.
Omar Ahmed emerged from a tight group of four runners behind the two leaders, the quartet separated by just eight seconds, with Jonathan Escalante-Phillips, Jacob Allen and Blake Moore close behind.
While Lily Patridge produced a brilliant run to break 70 minutes for the first time in her career to record a PB, her second win at the event after her first in 2019.
The Puma athlete pulled away from Charlotte Purdue to easily win the elite women’s race in 1:09:34, while Charlotte Taylor was the third woman to cross the finish line.
Another course record was broken when Shawn Frame won the elite men’s wheelchair race.
Away from the elite runners, two Guinness World Records fell with Matthew Athersmith, Eddie Evans, Andrew Cairns and Jimmy Craig, who were part of a four-person team dressed as caterpillars to achieve the ‘fastest time in a four-person costume’, and the quartet came home in an astonishing time of 1:14:10.
While Sophie Godley claimed ‘Fastest time with golf clubs (female)’ by covering a distance of 13.1 miles carrying 13 golf clubs.
Andrew Smith, CEO of ASO UK, organizers of the Manchester Half event, said: “We have organized the biggest half marathon ever in Manchester, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who made it possible – especially our incredible volunteers. The atmosphere in Trafford and Greater Manchester has been phenomenal, and it’s inspiring to see so many people coming out to celebrate this city. Come together for and remind us of our resilience.
“Raising over £1.3 million for charity – and moving on – is particularly special for our team, but real credit goes to the participants who trained and raised money for months to get here. While we are looking forward to the continued success of this event in the future, today was also a moment to reflect and shine for the community, which they did in full Mancunian spirit.”
For more information about next year’s event, visit on Sunday 4 October 2026 www.mcrhalf.co.uk