Date: Sunday 12 October 2025
Distance: 13.1 miles
Location: Manchester, UK
Participants: ~28,000
Start/Finish: Old Trafford – Emirates Old Trafford
Overview
The Manchester Half Marathon 2025 delivered another outstanding showcase of large-scale road running in the North West. Now in its ninth edition, the event reached record participation numbers and maintained its reputation as one of the UK’s fastest and most inclusive half marathons.
This year’s race also hosted the England Athletics Half Marathon Championships, adding a competitive edge to an already electric atmosphere. The event combined elite racing, mass participation, and strong community engagement, raising an estimated £1.6 million for charity.
Race Conditions
Runners were greeted by near-ideal autumn conditions on race morning: cool, overcast skies and light winds. Temperatures hovered around 10°C at the start, contributing to what many described as perfect running weather.
The 13.1-mile course, starting near Old Trafford, took participants through Trafford, Stretford, Sale, and Chorlton before looping back to the Emirates Old Trafford finish line. The route’s flat elevation profile once again proved ideal for fast times, although some participants noted that the scenery lacked variety and that the course only briefly entered the Manchester city centre.
Road closures began early, and transport logistics, particularly tram access via Trafford Bar and Old Trafford, were heavily relied upon by both runners and spectators.
Race Highlights & Results
The elite fields produced exceptional performances, with multiple course records broken.
- Men’s Champion: Joe Wigfield — 1:02:02 (Course Record)
- Women’s Champion: Lily Partridge — 1:09:33
- Wheelchair Champion: Sean Frame — 0:48:24 (Course Record)
The men’s race was notable for Wigfield’s commanding debut over the distance, while Partridge’s consistent pacing and control over the final miles solidified her win. Frame’s sub-50-minute performance in the wheelchair division further demonstrated the race’s elite credentials.
Elite competition aside, the day celebrated thousands of personal milestones, from first-time finishers to charity runners and age-group veterans. The oldest participant, 90-year-old Gordon Aaron, completed his fifth Manchester Half, drawing applause across the finish line.
Runner Experience
Feedback from participants was largely positive, highlighting the strong community support throughout Trafford and Chorlton. Residents lined the streets with banners, music, and cheer stations that gave the event its signature local character.
The organisation at the start area was generally efficient, though some runners reported early congestion in the first few kilometres due to tightly spaced wave starts. On-course hydration points were well-placed, offering bottled water at regular intervals.
The finish zone, however, drew mixed reviews. The surge of finishers during peak times led to crowding, slow exits, and confusion around bag collection. While volunteers remained supportive and energetic, the funneling system struggled to handle the volume of participants smoothly.
Design & Branding
The 2025 edition concluded the “Express Yourself” campaign, an initiative allowing runners to choose from six different medal centre messages, such as “Personal Best”, “First Half”, and “We Did This Together”. This customisable feature was well received, adding a personal touch to an otherwise large-scale event.
The finisher’s T-shirt, featuring a clean, modern design, and the distinctive rotating medal were both praised as standout memorabilia.
Atmosphere & Community Impact
The Manchester Half continues to stand out for its community spirit. Local support through Chorlton and Sale was particularly memorable, with residents offering music, food, and impromptu cheering sections.
The event’s charity fundraising impact was substantial, with over £1.6 million raised for good causes. Many local and national charities fielded large teams, reinforcing the race’s identity as both a competitive and community-driven occasion.
Verdict
The Manchester Half Marathon 2025 once again proved why it ranks among the UK’s top running events. With near-perfect weather, enthusiastic local support, and elite-level performances, the event balanced professionalism with genuine community spirit.
Despite minor logistical issues at the finish, the race offered an excellent experience for both competitive athletes and recreational runners alike.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 / 5)
Best For: PB chasers, first-timers, and anyone who thrives on crowd energy.
Highlight: The roar through Chorlton and the rotating “Express Yourself” finisher medal.
