Due to unprecedented demand from tens of thousands of hopeful participants, the 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon is set to release its final round of entry places on Monday, 8 January.
So, if you’re looking to book on to the fourth largest marathon in all of Europe, not to mention one of the most well-spectated and family-friendly runs on the continent, you best set an alarm and get ready.
This year’s early and general entries for the Manchester Marathon sold out in just 24 hours, with 30,000 participants expected to run the 26.2-mile (or 42.195km) route on Sunday, 14 April.
That being said, thousands who were hoping to take part unfortunately missed out on a place — but now they’re being given one last chance to sign up for the run.
That could be you at the starting line. (Credit: Paul Currie)
Since the organisers want 2024 to be the biggest in the event’s history, they have decided to release Final Entries for a limited time only, meaning those who previously registered their interest will get a shot at jumping from the waiting list to the starting line.
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With the entry window opening from 6pm on Monday, 8 January, there will be an additional 10% of final participant places released to the public, so you better be faster than Kipchoge.
Operating on a first come first served basis, those who have registered interest will receive an email containing a priority sign-up link. If you have opted in to receive a text message, you will also receive a sign-up link via SMS. Keep that phone to hand, folks.
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Upwards of 125,000 spectators are expected to line the streets throughout Greater Manchester to offer support to participants as they go by, but you best be quick if you’re hoping to be one of them.
This is your last chance for final entry on the 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon. (Credit: Supplied)
Every participant who signs up for this year’s adidas Manchester Marathon will also be contributing to the Trafford Active Fund, with event organisers Human Race donating £1 of each entry directly to the scheme.
The Fund offers local groups the chance to receive a special allocation of funding to build a long-lasting sport and physical activity legacy across the 10 boroughs. What’s more, as part of the eco-friendly ‘Green Runner’ initiative, City of Trees has been appointed as the event’s official Green Runner charity.
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The initiative strives to improve the event’s sustainability credentials, reducing its overall environmental impact. Ultimately, the adidas Manchester Marathon aims to donate £5,000 to support the planting of trees across Greater Manchester.
Andrew Smith, Chief Executive of the official adidas Manchester Marathon event organiser, Human Race, said:“We are looking forward to welcoming this year’s participants, from elite runners to those who never dreamed of taking part in a marathon before now.
“We just know that the iconic Mancunian atmosphere will make for a magical experience. Good luck to everyone who has signed up and see you all at the start line in April!” For anyone who wants to find out more about how Final Entires, you can do so HERE — and best of luck for those trying on Monday!
Featured Images — adidas Manchester Marathon/Paul Currie (supplied)
Sport
Antoine Semenyo has officially joined Manchester City
Danny Jones
Yes, Man City have got their man and further bolstered their offensive options, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo having officially joined the club.
Having emerged as one of the Premier League’s hottest properties over the past couple of years, Antoine Semenyo has gone from not only being an extremely prolific winger, but beyond a flavour of the month, with multiple teams expressing their interest in recent months.
That being said, despite being linked with local rivals Manchester United, current champions Liverpool and an already heavily staffed Chelsea side, MCFC have now won the race to sign Semenyo – one they seem to have been leading since the start.
Finally unveiled by club media on Friday, 9 January, Semenyo was pictured for the first time in the sky blue strip.
It was long after that the first reports of the deal being ‘agreed in principle” surfaced online, and it became clear that no other suitors stood a chance of snatching him away from the Etihad Stadium.
Semenyo’s release clause was set at £65 million, which is approximately the same figure they sold former striker Dominic Solanke to Spurs for, but inevitable add-ons and bonuses were likely to set a rough club record fee in terms of player sales.
Penning a five-and-a-half-year deal, the 26-year-old’s contract will take him through to at least 2031, with the London-born Ghanaian international still yet to hit his peak.
Frightening stuff for Premier League defenders, to say the least.
Sharing a message with his new fan base via the full club statement, Semenyo said: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City…
“They have set the highest of standards, and it’s a club with world-class players, world-class facilities and one of the greatest managers ever in Pep. I have so much scope for improvement, so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.
“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that. And City are in a great position – still involved in four competitions. I really feel I can help them have a strong second half of the season. The Etihad is my new home. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans here, and I hope to show everyone what I can do.”
Happy with the business, Blues? And as for you neutrals, do you think it’s the right next step for him?
Watch Semenyo’s first full interview as a Manchester City player.
Manchester United fans planning another major protest amid more upheaval around the club
Danny Jones
Manchester United supporters look set to stage another high-profile demonstration in protest against the INEOS Sports ownership group.
This is the latest response to the club’s continuing struggles, and not just the first proper organised mobilisation of the year, but the first since the most recent major march last spring.
Following the sacking of ‘manager’ Ruben Amorim, despite co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his board of executives insisting that the Portuguese head coach (that distinction proving to be a crucial detail), the local sporting giants are once again starting from scratch and looking for another replacement boss.
With that in mind, militant fan group The 1958 announced their most recent protest ahead of a home fixture next month in a rather bold fashion…
As announced we protest against this dysfunctional co-ownership before Fulham.
Yep, neither Amorim, Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, nor any face even remotely associated with Old Trafford/Carrington is safe from an AI parody.
As for The 1958 group’s actual protest plans, speaking via the BBC this week, the supporters’ trust has confirmed that they will be making a vocal statement outside the stadium on Sunday, 1 February.
Travelling Reds already made their thoughts known with a very blunt, provocative and somewhat controversial banner in the away end at Turf Moor for the 2-2 draw against Burnley.
With Man United approaching a third-round FA Cup tie against Brighton and two big games in the form of a Manchester Derby at home and a trip to Arsenal, they have decided to choose the Fulham game at Old Trafford to stage the march.
Despite admitting that the results under Amorim were no way near good enough, they insist that the – most notably the overarching and Glazer family shadow ever looming over the organisation.
Further details around the actual timings and locations are still yet to be shared by the organisers, but you can expect this to be a well-attended, large-scale event.
Often convening at The Tollgate pub near regular matchday tram stop, Trafford Bar, before walking down Talbot Road towards the ground itself, we imagine Reds will then descend upon the Theatre of Dreams in their thousands.
In case you didn’t already surmise from the video itself, Ratcliffe and co. will be no doubt the subject of the usual chants, as well as more banners and flags.
What do you make of the latest plans, Man United fans?
Nothing will ever be quite as bold as the infamous Old Trafford break-in from 2022 (Credit: The Manc)
Danny Jones -
6th January 2024 
