Manchester Marathon 2025 saw a record number of participants with 35,000 taking to the streets of Manchester, including 10 members of Grantham Running Club. Starting at Old Trafford the course had a new city centre finish on Oxford Road near Manchester University, with the streets from start to finish lined with more than 140,000 spectators. Weather conditions whilst perfect for spectating were less favourable for those running the 26.2 miles, with sunshine and temperatures hitting 20 degrees.
First back for GRC was Andrew Devine in a time of 03:03:42. Andrew struggled in the heat and took the decision to run slower than marathon effort to ensure he crossed the finish line.
Mark Angeloni was second to cross the finish for the club. After carefully following a training plan and despite going into the race with one niggle that re-occurred at mile 16/17, Mark managed to get a well-deserved PB of 03:27:29.
Given the niggle and heat on the day, Mark was pleased to achieve a PB and congratulated all who took part on their performances.
Dean Riggall was next home for GRC, running a well-paced race to cross the line in a time of 03:44:25.
Hannah Whittaker was the first lady to cross the line for the club in a time of 03:53:36, returning to the course after previously running Manchester Marathon in 2022.
Next to see the welcomed sight of the finish line was Zoe Wragg, who after a good training block was disappointed to finish in 04:16:54. Zoe struggled with the conditions of the day but was boosted seeing fellow GRC members running the event.
Sophie Davies was pleased to complete the marathon following illness and not being back to 100% health on the day of the race. Sophie crossed the line in 04:27:20.
Warren Stark, fresh from completing Tokyo Marathon in his quest to complete the six majors, finished Manchester in 04:25:21.
Joining over half of this year’s participants taking on their first marathon was Holly Wragg. Following a good training block, conditions on the day meant Holly was disappointed to finish in 04:32:21.
Despite promising Manchester would be her first and last marathon, Holly was quick to sign up for next year’s event in what will hopefully be cooler conditions.
Matthew Atter in the later stages of training struggled with an injury and despite making it to the start line, experienced leg pain from mile 4 to 18, where he was disappointed to have to retire from the race.