Manchester Marathon 2025

PBs galore, but was it cooler up North??

7 club members made the trip. They were all asked for their race day experiences. See what they had to say …

Georgia Hughes –

Absolutely loved Manchester! Incredible atmosphere and so well organised considering the vast number of people racing, and we set off right on time! The support was incredible; brilliant humorous signs and lots of positive words and encouragement from spectators. It was a hot day so I appreciated the people spraying us with their garden hoses!! Absolutely thrilled with my time, exactly what I wanted to the MINUTE! The blister that started at mile 6 was well worth it!

Jo Kemp –

My thoughts: My first marathon and having successfully made it through all the training runs I was looking forward to the day. We headed early to the start area to soak up the big event atmosphere. I had a great 1st half of the race, amazing to be with so many other runners and to see and hear all the support along the route. The heat of the day got to me for the second half and I started to struggle early on around the 28k point. Lots of runners around me started to walk run and I had to give in and do the same. However, when I was running I was able to get up to a decent speed so overall my average pace meant that the sub 4 hours target was still on. I was so relieved to get to the finish and have achieved my goal.

Sam Hastie –

For a first road marathon, I dont think I could have chosen better than Manchester. What an awesome vibe. The crowds gave it their all, offering cheerful encouragement, sweets, and water. The music was buzz! I took it steady from the start but certainly felt the rollcoaster ride that a marathon brings! Paced by Andy, who was so encouraging and got me around nonstop, achieving a new PB. An experience not to be forgotten. 

Dan Grech –

Manchester Marathon 2025: HOT! My first proper marathon training block; starting back in January and the most miles I’ve ever done in a week and a month during. 
Leading up to the day; I was calm despite seeds of doubt; however the night before it all became too much. I managed 3hrs sleep and threw up at 1:30am. 
Despite this; I got to the race start and was feeling ready for the challenge. I had a plan and I was on it. 26km in and I had a minute advantage over my pacing plan. Then the wheels fell off. The heat and the tiredness just wiped me out. I was empty and drained. I didn’t give up completely; but I had to walk sections just to keep me going. I tried not to slow too much on average each Km; and managed to suck it up for the last mile and get back on pace. 
Super proud to finish 3:09:17. Wasn’t the sub3 that I dreamed of; but there’s always next time. 
Massive thanks to Lee Hardie and Alex Dugard who without them none of this would be possible.

Claire Greenaway –

Manchester marathon was a great day out. The atmosphere starting at Old Trafford and lots of support on the streets. The bands playing along the way lifted you as you ran past. It was hot, but thankfully lots of drink stations, and lots of kind locals had their hoses out to cool the runners down. 
This was my 3rd marathon, 1st since having my children and 5 months post injury. The first part of the marathon went to plan, the 2nd half took its toll. It was so tempting to join in with the walkers in the last few miles but pleased I kept going. I am super proud of my new 9 minute pb.

A MASSIVE well done to all those who braved a cruelly hot day to get it done.

If I’ve missed anyone out, sorry, please let me know and I’ll add you to the report.

Results

Georgia Hughes – 3:30:05 – massive 20min PB

Jo Kemp – 03:57:38 – SUB 4 – PB

Andy Jones – 04:31:57

Sam Hastie – 04:31:54

Simon Burton – 06:01:53

Daniel Grech – 03:09:17 – PB

Claire Greenaway – 03:50:17 – PB